US9703330B2 - Protective case for articulating electronic device - Google Patents

Protective case for articulating electronic device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9703330B2
US9703330B2 US14/671,701 US201514671701A US9703330B2 US 9703330 B2 US9703330 B2 US 9703330B2 US 201514671701 A US201514671701 A US 201514671701A US 9703330 B2 US9703330 B2 US 9703330B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hardshell
electronic device
computing device
portable electronic
protective cover
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US14/671,701
Other versions
US20150205332A1 (en
Inventor
Jamie L. Johnson
Stephen Willes
W. Travis Smith
Jonathan Watt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Otter Products LLC
Original Assignee
Otter Products LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Otter Products LLC filed Critical Otter Products LLC
Priority to US14/671,701 priority Critical patent/US9703330B2/en
Publication of US20150205332A1 publication Critical patent/US20150205332A1/en
Priority to US15/444,477 priority patent/US10016039B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9703330B2 publication Critical patent/US9703330B2/en
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
Priority to US15/783,520 priority patent/US10258127B2/en
Priority to US16/168,985 priority patent/US10905213B2/en
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
Assigned to OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC reassignment OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT REEL/FRAME NO. 43681/0846 Assignors: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC reassignment OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT REEL/FRAME NO. 51693/0592 Assignors: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/18Packaging or power distribution
    • G06F1/181Enclosures
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/002Protective covers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/005Hinges
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45FTRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/0081Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor of objects with parts connected by a thin section, e.g. hinge, tear line
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/16Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
    • B29C45/1676Making multilayered or multicoloured articles using a soft material and a rigid material, e.g. making articles with a sealing part
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0249Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly
    • H04M1/0252Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly by means of a snap-on mechanism
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/18Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment
    • H04M1/185Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/0004Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus comprising several parts forming a closed casing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/02Details
    • H05K5/0217Mechanical details of casings
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/02Details
    • H05K5/0217Mechanical details of casings
    • H05K5/0226Hinges
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K5/00Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
    • H05K5/02Details
    • H05K5/03Covers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C2011/001Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or MP3-players
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C2011/002Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C2011/003Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29KINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2995/00Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
    • B29K2995/0037Other properties
    • B29K2995/007Hardness
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/34Electrical apparatus, e.g. sparking plugs or parts thereof
    • B29L2031/3481Housings or casings incorporating or embedding electric or electronic elements

Definitions

  • Protective covers for handheld electronic devices such as various types of MP3 players, video players, cell phones, smart phones, satellite phones, walkie talkies, GPS navigational devices, telematics devices, pagers, monitors, personal data assistants, bar code scanners, as well as various types of computers, including portable computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, ultra-mobile computers, tablet computers, and various hybrid devices that combine two or more of these functions, provide a valuable function in preventing damage to these handheld electronic devices.
  • Various types of protective cases are available that provide a varying amount of protection.
  • a protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element.
  • the portable computing device has at least a first portion and a second portion where the second portion is connected to the first portion through a hinging structure such that the second portion articulates relative to the first portion.
  • the first hardshell component of the protective cover removably snaps onto the first portion of the portable computing device to protect at least one surface of the first portion of the portable computing device.
  • the second hardshell component removably snaps onto the second portion of the portable computing device to protect at least one surface of the second portion of the portable computing device.
  • the hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device.
  • the hinging element of the protective cover flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a protective case and a sliding/articulating handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hard plastic back shell of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled silicone layer and hard plastic back shell.
  • FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the assembled hard plastic back shell and silicone layer of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , and the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hard plastic front shell of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an articulating handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective case for a sliding/articulating handheld device.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a protective case that includes an integrated silicone hinge.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
  • FIG. 12 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the three pieces of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
  • Many electronic devices are constructed with two pieces that may be joined by hinges or various sliding mechanisms. Examples of such devices may be hand held mobile telephones, portable gaming devices, laptop computer, netbook computers, or other devices.
  • a protective cover or outer shell for these devices may be constructed with two hard shell components, one for the front portion of the electronic device and one for the rear portion.
  • a silicone or other flexible component may be held by one or both of the hard shell components.
  • the flexible component may be held by only one of the hard shell components. In an example of such an embodiment, the flexible component may be installed underneath the rear hard shell component.
  • the flexible component may be held or retained by both hard shell components.
  • the flexible component may be retained by both hard shell components and the flexible component may have a portion that covers a hinge or other mechanism that may join the two portions of the electronic device.
  • the flexible component may have pads or other mechanisms that may allow a user to active a button on the electronic device when the cover is installed. Some embodiments may have removable covers for earphone ports or other electrical connectors as well.
  • the protective cover may be a removable cover that may be installed and removed by a consumer.
  • the protective cover may have logos, colors, or other designs that allow a user to personalize their electronic device.
  • the protective cover may have snaps or other engagement mechanisms that may be easily installed and removed by a consumer.
  • the protective cover may not be a consumer installed cover.
  • the protective cover may be installed by the manufacturer of the electronic device and may be an integral part of the electronic device.
  • the protective cover may be installed using fasteners, adhesives, snaps, or other mechanisms for which a typical consumer may not have access or ability to install or remove.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective case 100 and a sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • Many handheld electronic devices have a back portion 110 and a front sliding/articulating front portion 112 .
  • Mobile phones may have a sliding front portion that may include a screen that slides to an open position to access a keyboard.
  • Other mobile phones may have a front portion, such as sliding/articulating front portion 112 , that articulates on hinges to expose a keyboard.
  • hard plastic shells such as hard plastic front shell 102 and hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • plastic shells that attach directly to front and back portions of handheld electronic devices often do not provide a large amount of protection, especially against shocks from impacts.
  • hard plastic shells may provide openings to operational features of the handheld electronic device that further reduces the protection provided by hard plastic shells.
  • the hard plastic front shell 102 has a series of hooks, such as front shell hooks 146 , 148 , 150 , and other front shell hooks (not shown), on opposing sides of the hard plastic front shell 102 , that attach the hard plastic front shell 102 to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the hard plastic front shell 102 may be constructed from thermoplastic polymers and has a hardness generally in the range of 65 to 120 on the Rockwell scale for HDPE, acrylic, PP, PVC, ABS, nylon, 10% GF PC. A narrower range of 105-115 on the Rockwell scale can be used for ABS and PC. These ranges are exemplary only and may vary with specific materials.
  • the thermoplastic polymers can be molded, die cast or otherwise formed to a desired shape. Other materials can also be used for the hard shell, including metals that can be formed or machined to a desired shape.
  • the hard plastic front shell 102 may attach directly to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the hard plastic front shell may allow the sliding/articulating front portion 112 to slide or articulate between an open and closed position without interfering with the sliding/articulating motion provided by a sliding/articulating connector (not shown).
  • the hard plastic front shell 102 may provide impact protection and may have an elevated surface that may protect the sliding/articulating front portion of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 from impacts.
  • a hard plastic back shell 108 has a plurality of back shell hooks 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 that attach the hard plastic back shell 108 to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the manner in which the back shell hooks 114 - 128 attach to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 may not impede the operation of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the hard plastic back shell 108 also has a plurality of back shell openings 152 , 154 , 156 , 158 , 160 that are aligned with electronic device operational features 174 , including buttons and ports, in the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the electronic device operational features 174 include the operational features illustrated in FIG. 1 , as well as the device buttons 186 , 188 , illustrated in FIG. 4 , and other operational features that may exist on the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the hard plastic back shell 108 can be made from the same materials as the hard plastic front shell 102 with the same range of hardness.
  • a flexible silicone layer 106 is provided that is disposed in the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • the density of the flexible silicone layer ranges from 50 Shore A to 60 Shore A, but may vary from 30 to 70 Shore A. In one embodiment, a range of 48-52 Shore A is used.
  • the flexible silicone layer 106 is molded to fit directly into, and to conform closely to, the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • the flexible silicone layer 106 has a plurality of silicone layer openings 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 , 140 , 142 , 144 . Each of these silicone layer openings 130 - 144 is aligned with back shell hooks 114 - 128 , respectively.
  • Each of the back shell hooks 114 - 128 is recessed inwardly from the outer edge of the hard plastic back shell 108 so as to engage the silicone layer openings 130 - 144 .
  • the back shell hooks 114 - 128 are inserted through the silicone layer openings 130 - 144 from the outside of the flexible silicone layer 106 and extend inwardly to the interior portion of the flexible silicone layer 106 .
  • the back shell hooks 114 - 128 are disposed inside of the flexible silicone layer 106 , adjacent recessed portions, such as recessed portions 182 , 184 in flexible silicone layer 106 , which allows the back shell hooks 114 - 128 to engage the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the back shell hooks 114 - 128 are hidden by the flexible silicone layer 106 and a clean and decorative appearance is provided from the outside of the hard plastic back shell 108 . Also, since the back shell hooks 114 - 128 are recessed inwardly and the flexible silicone layer 106 is recessed outwardly, next to silicone layer openings 130 - 144 , such as recessed portions 182 , 184 , there is little or no deflection of the flexible silicone layer 106 resulting from insertion of the back shell hooks, which further assists the combination of the hard plastic back shell 108 and the flexible silicone layer 106 , to function as a single integrated unit.
  • the hard plastic back shell 108 and the flexible silicone layer 106 may be securely married together as a result of the mechanical connection between the recessed back shell hooks 114 - 128 and the silicone layer openings 130 - 144 , since the back shell hooks 114 - 128 are inserted through silicone layer openings 130 - 144 .
  • the flexible silicone layer 106 appears to be part of the hard plastic back shell 108 and functions as a single integrated unit.
  • the flexible silicone layer 106 can be made from a soft, flexible material that is more easily capable of absorbing shocks since deformation and movement of the flexible silicone layer 106 away from the hard plastic back shell 108 is substantially restricted.
  • the back shell openings 152 - 160 are aligned with various portions of the flexible silicone layer 106 , as disclosed in more detail below.
  • silicone layer operational features 180 are disposed in the flexible silicone layer 106 that are disposed in the back shell openings 152 - 160 when the flexible silicone layer 106 is married to the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • the silicone layer operational features 180 generically refer to the various pads, portals, access panels and other operational features of the flexible silicone layer 106 .
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • the hard plastic back shell 108 includes a plurality of back shell hooks 114 - 128 that are recessed from the outer surface of the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • the back shell hooks 114 - 128 slide through the silicone layer openings 130 - 144 of flexible silicone layer 106 ( FIG. 1 ) and are hidden by the flexible silicone layer 106 .
  • the silicone layer operational features 180 are disposed in the back shell openings 152 - 160 , as disclosed in more detail below, to prevent the entry of dust, dirt and moisture.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the flexible silicone layer 106 disposed in the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • back shell hooks 114 , 116 , 118 are inserted through silicone layer openings 130 , 132 , 134 in the flexible silicone layer 106 .
  • Back shell hooks 114 , 116 , 118 are disposed on the interior portion of the flexible silicone layer 106 for attachment to the back portion 110 ( FIG. 1 ) of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 ( FIG. 1 ). Since the back shell hooks 114 - 118 are inserted through the silicone layer openings 130 - 134 , back shell hooks 114 - 118 are not visible from the exterior of the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • FIG. 3 back shell hooks 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are not visible since the flexible silicone layer 106 hides the back shell hooks 120 - 128 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the flexible silicone layer 106 and hard plastic back shell 108 appear as a single integrated unit.
  • back shell hooks 114 - 128 when inserted through silicone layer openings 130 - 144 , function to securely hold the flexible silicone layer 106 to the hard plastic back shell 108 so that the combined structure functions as a single integrated unit.
  • FIG. 3 also includes a pivoting access panel 178 , which provides access to a port on the back portion 110 .
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 that is aligned with the flexible silicone layer 106 , which is married to the hard plastic back shell 108 .
  • silicone pad 162 is disposed in back shell opening 152 .
  • silicone pads 164 , 166 are disposed in the back shell opening 154 .
  • Silicone pads 162 , 164 , 166 comprise silicone layer operational features 180 ( FIG. 1 ), as well as other operational features on the flexible silicone layer 106 , such as device buttons 186 , 188 that are disclosed in FIG. 1 .
  • the silicone layer operational features 180 interact with electronic device operational features 174 . Specifically, silicone pad 162 interacts with the device button 186 , while silicone pads 164 , 166 interact with device button 188 .
  • Another silicone layer operational feature 180 comprises the silicone plug 172 that is inserted in a jack (not shown) in the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the back shell hook 122 extends through the silicone layer opening 136 .
  • back shell hook 124 is inserted through the silicone layer opening 138 .
  • Back shell hook 126 is similarly inserted through silicone layer opening 142
  • back shell hook 128 is inserted through silicone layer opening 144 .
  • Each of the back shell hooks 114 - 128 attach to an inner surface of the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 to securely hold the assembled flexible silicone layer 106 and hard plastic back shell 108 to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 without interfering with the sliding motion of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the hard plastic front shell 102 .
  • front shell hooks 148 , 150 as well as other front shell hooks not illustrated in FIG. 5 , securely attach to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • the hard plastic front shell 102 as well as the front shell hooks, do not interfere with the sliding/articulating motion of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 .
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an articulating handheld electronic device 600 .
  • the front portion 602 swivels away from the back portion 604 to expose a keyboard 606 .
  • the front portion as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6 , includes a display 608 that is disposed at an angle to the back portion 604 and keyboard 606 to assist in viewing the information on display 608 .
  • the protective cover 100 ( FIG. 1 ) is attached to the front portion 602 and back portion 604 in a manner that does not impede the articulating movement of the front portion 602 .
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a sliding handheld electronic device 700 .
  • a front portion 702 slides away from a back portion 704 to expose the keyboard 706 .
  • a hard plastic front shell such as hard plastic front shell 102 ( FIG. 1 ) attaches to the front portion 702 and does not interfere with the movement of the front portion 702 with regard to the back portion 704 .
  • a hard plastic back shell and flexible silicone layer such as hard plastic back shell 108 ( FIG. 1 ) and flexible silicone layer 106 ( FIG. 1 ), attach to the back portion 704 and do not interfere with the articulating movement of the front portion 702 of the sliding handheld electronic device 700 .
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective case 800 and a sliding/articulating handheld device 804 .
  • a front flexible silicone layer 803 is disposed in hard plastic front shell 802 .
  • the combined structure is then attached to the front portion 812 of the handheld electronic device 804 with front shell hooks 814 , 816 , 818 .
  • the back flexible silicone layer 806 is disposed in the hard plastic back shell 808 and attaches to the back portion 810 of the handheld electronic device 804 , in the same manner as disclosed with respect to FIG. 1 .
  • the protective case 800 provides additional protection to the front portion 812 of the handheld electronic device 804 as a result of the use of the combined structure of the hard plastic front shell 802 and front flexible silicone layer 803 .
  • a flexible silicone layer is disposed under both the front plastic hard shell 802 and the hard plastic back shell 808 to provide additional protection to both the front portion 812 and the back portion 810 of the handheld electronic device 804 .
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a protective case 900 that may be used for a device with a hinge and where the flexible component of the protective case may cover or span the hinge area of the device.
  • the protective cover 900 includes a front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 that snaps onto the front face of a handheld electronic device, such as a mobile phone. Similarly, a back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 snaps onto the back surface of the mobile phone, or other electronic device.
  • a silicone cover 922 that is soft and flexible, has a front portion 920 that is disposed in the interior portion of the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 and a back portion 906 that is disposed in back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 .
  • a silicone hinge 908 that connects front and back portions of the silicone layer, is disposed between the front surface hard plastic cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 , and hinges along silicone fold line 910 .
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment 900 that shows a protective cover in a partially open position.
  • the protective cover may come in three parts: a front hard plastic cover 902 , a back hard plastic cover 904 , and a silicone hinge 908 .
  • the silicone hinge 908 may be a separate, removable piece that is installed first, then the front cover 902 and back cover 904 may be installed on top of the silicone hinge 908 .
  • the silicone hinge 908 may be molded to one or both of the front cover 902 and back cover 904 . In such an embodiment, the silicone hinge 908 may be overmolded onto the back cover 904 and/or the front cover 902 . Some embodiments may use a two-shot molding technique or a separate molding operation to mold the silicone hinge 908 onto one or both of the covers.
  • the embodiment 900 has a hinge 952 that hinges along the left vertical side 954 of handheld electronic device 950 .
  • the embodiment 900 may be a protective cover for a cellular telephone or other handheld mobile device. Openings 912 , 914 , illustrated in FIG. 9 , allow a user to view activity and enter information into the electronic device.
  • the silicone hinge 908 may include pads 916 that assist the user in entering information into the side of the handheld electronic device. The silicone hinge 908 provides protection to the left side edge 954 of the handheld electronic device and allows information to be entered into the handheld electronic device through pads 916 on the left side edge 954 of the handheld electronic device, while the protective case 900 and the handheld electronic device are in a closed position.
  • the silicone hinge 908 allows access to buttons 958 ( FIG. 10 ) on the side 954 of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device and the protective case 900 are in a closed position, and the silicone hinge 908 provides protection to the side of the handheld electronic device adjacent to the silicone hinge 908 .
  • the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 provide additional protection from impacts and help disperse impacts throughout the softer silicone layer 922 that is disposed under the hard plastic covers 902 , 904 .
  • FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
  • the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 has openings 912 , 914 .
  • the back portion 906 of the silicone inner cover 922 can be viewed through the openings 912 , 914 .
  • pads 916 are shown as part of the silicone hinge 908 that interface with buttons 958 on the handheld electronic device that is disposed in the protective case 900 .
  • FIG. 12 is a back view of the protective case 900 .
  • the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 has an opening 918 .
  • the front portion 920 of the silicone inner cover 922 that is disposed in an inner portion of the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 is visible through the opening 918 .
  • the back surface hard plastic outer layer 904 covers only a portion of the back surface, so that silicone hinge 908 is partially exposed. In this manner, silicone hinge 908 has a broad area to flex when the protective case 900 is in the open position.
  • Pads 916 allow activation of buttons 958 on the enclosed handheld electronic device while the protective case 900 is in the closed position. In this manner, the entire side of the enclosed electronic device is protected by the silicone hinge 908 , while the pads 916 allow access to the enclosed handheld electronic device.
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the three pieces of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
  • the front surface hard plastic shell 902 is aligned to cover the front portion of the silicone cover 920 .
  • the back surface hard plastic cover 904 is aligned to cover the back portion 906 of the silicone cover 922 .
  • the silicone hinge 908 connects the front portion 922 to the back portion 906 of the silicone cover 922 .
  • Mechanical connectors 924 illustrate the manner in which the back surface hard plastic cover 904 attaches to the back portion 956 ( FIG. 10 ) of the handheld electronic device.
  • front surface hard plastic shell 902 includes similar mechanical connectors (not shown) that connect the front surface hard plastic shell 902 to the front portion 960 ( FIG. 10 ) of the handheld electronic device.
  • the silicone cover 922 is a continuous cover that is disposed within the front surface hard plastic cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic cover 904 , and extends around the side of the handheld electronic device to provide protection to the front, back and side portions of the handheld electronic device. In this manner, protection is not only provided to the front and back faces, but also at the location where the handheld electronic device 950 hinges, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , with a continuous silicone cover.
  • the connecting silicone hinge 908 includes pads 916 ( FIG. 9 ) that allow activation of buttons 958 ( FIG. 10 ), while the protective case 900 is in a closed position.
  • the silicone cover 922 provides protection to the handheld electronic device and allows activation of buttons in the hinge area of the handheld electronic device.
  • the combination of the hard plastic covers 902 , 904 that surround the softer silicone cover 922 provides a substantial amount of protection to the handheld electronic device that is not available from either the use of just a silicone cover or hard plastic covers.
  • the hard plastic covers 902 , 904 protect the handheld electronic device from sharp impacts.
  • the shock of hard impacts is spread along the surface of the hard plastic outer covers 902 , 904 , and is absorbed by the silicone cover 922 .
  • the combination of the hard plastic covers 902 , 904 and the silicone cover 922 provides both protection and accessibility that has not been available to hinged type of handheld electronic devices, such as flip phones.
  • a silicone hinge can also be provided on a top portion of a protective cover for handheld electronic devices that hinge along a top portion. Further, a silicone hinge can be provided along a bottom portion of the protective cover for handheld electronic devices that hinge along a bottom portion. Of course, the silicone hinge can be employed on either side of the protective cover, depending upon which side the electronic device hinges.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The first hardshell component removably snaps onto a first portion of the portable computing device to protect the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto a second portion of the portable computing device to protect the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/050,791, filed on Mar. 17, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/317,537, filed on Mar. 25, 2010, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/314,954, filed on Mar. 17, 2010, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
Protective covers for handheld electronic devices, such as various types of MP3 players, video players, cell phones, smart phones, satellite phones, walkie talkies, GPS navigational devices, telematics devices, pagers, monitors, personal data assistants, bar code scanners, as well as various types of computers, including portable computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, ultra-mobile computers, tablet computers, and various hybrid devices that combine two or more of these functions, provide a valuable function in preventing damage to these handheld electronic devices. Various types of protective cases are available that provide a varying amount of protection.
SUMMARY
A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The portable computing device has at least a first portion and a second portion where the second portion is connected to the first portion through a hinging structure such that the second portion articulates relative to the first portion. The first hardshell component of the protective cover removably snaps onto the first portion of the portable computing device to protect at least one surface of the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto the second portion of the portable computing device to protect at least one surface of the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element of the protective cover flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a protective case and a sliding/articulating handheld electronic device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hard plastic back shell of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled silicone layer and hard plastic back shell.
FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the assembled hard plastic back shell and silicone layer of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hard plastic front shell of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an articulating handheld electronic device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding handheld electronic device.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective case for a sliding/articulating handheld device.
FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a protective case that includes an integrated silicone hinge.
FIG. 10 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a handheld electronic device.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a back view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the three pieces of the embodiment of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Many electronic devices are constructed with two pieces that may be joined by hinges or various sliding mechanisms. Examples of such devices may be hand held mobile telephones, portable gaming devices, laptop computer, netbook computers, or other devices.
A protective cover or outer shell for these devices may be constructed with two hard shell components, one for the front portion of the electronic device and one for the rear portion. A silicone or other flexible component may be held by one or both of the hard shell components.
In some embodiments, the flexible component may be held by only one of the hard shell components. In an example of such an embodiment, the flexible component may be installed underneath the rear hard shell component.
In some embodiments, the flexible component may be held or retained by both hard shell components. In an example of such an embodiment, the flexible component may be retained by both hard shell components and the flexible component may have a portion that covers a hinge or other mechanism that may join the two portions of the electronic device.
The flexible component may have pads or other mechanisms that may allow a user to active a button on the electronic device when the cover is installed. Some embodiments may have removable covers for earphone ports or other electrical connectors as well.
In some embodiments, the protective cover may be a removable cover that may be installed and removed by a consumer. In such embodiments, the protective cover may have logos, colors, or other designs that allow a user to personalize their electronic device. In such embodiments, the protective cover may have snaps or other engagement mechanisms that may be easily installed and removed by a consumer.
In other embodiments, the protective cover may not be a consumer installed cover. In such embodiments, the protective cover may be installed by the manufacturer of the electronic device and may be an integral part of the electronic device. In such embodiments, the protective cover may be installed using fasteners, adhesives, snaps, or other mechanisms for which a typical consumer may not have access or ability to install or remove.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective case 100 and a sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. Many handheld electronic devices have a back portion 110 and a front sliding/articulating front portion 112. Mobile phones, for example, may have a sliding front portion that may include a screen that slides to an open position to access a keyboard. Other mobile phones may have a front portion, such as sliding/articulating front portion 112, that articulates on hinges to expose a keyboard.
In order to provide a cover for both the back portion 110 and the sliding/articulating front portion 112, separate hard plastic shells, such as hard plastic front shell 102 and hard plastic back shell 108, can be utilized. However, plastic shells that attach directly to front and back portions of handheld electronic devices often do not provide a large amount of protection, especially against shocks from impacts. In addition, hard plastic shells may provide openings to operational features of the handheld electronic device that further reduces the protection provided by hard plastic shells.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hard plastic front shell 102 has a series of hooks, such as front shell hooks 146, 148, 150, and other front shell hooks (not shown), on opposing sides of the hard plastic front shell 102, that attach the hard plastic front shell 102 to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
The hard plastic front shell 102 may be constructed from thermoplastic polymers and has a hardness generally in the range of 65 to 120 on the Rockwell scale for HDPE, acrylic, PP, PVC, ABS, nylon, 10% GF PC. A narrower range of 105-115 on the Rockwell scale can be used for ABS and PC. These ranges are exemplary only and may vary with specific materials. The thermoplastic polymers can be molded, die cast or otherwise formed to a desired shape. Other materials can also be used for the hard shell, including metals that can be formed or machined to a desired shape.
The hard plastic front shell 102 may attach directly to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. The hard plastic front shell may allow the sliding/articulating front portion 112 to slide or articulate between an open and closed position without interfering with the sliding/articulating motion provided by a sliding/articulating connector (not shown). The hard plastic front shell 102 may provide impact protection and may have an elevated surface that may protect the sliding/articulating front portion of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 from impacts.
As also illustrated in FIG. 1, a hard plastic back shell 108 has a plurality of back shell hooks 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 that attach the hard plastic back shell 108 to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. Again, the manner in which the back shell hooks 114-128 attach to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 may not impede the operation of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
The hard plastic back shell 108 also has a plurality of back shell openings 152, 154, 156, 158, 160 that are aligned with electronic device operational features 174, including buttons and ports, in the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. The electronic device operational features 174 include the operational features illustrated in FIG. 1, as well as the device buttons 186, 188, illustrated in FIG. 4, and other operational features that may exist on the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. The hard plastic back shell 108 can be made from the same materials as the hard plastic front shell 102 with the same range of hardness.
As also illustrated in FIG. 1, a flexible silicone layer 106 is provided that is disposed in the hard plastic back shell 108. The density of the flexible silicone layer ranges from 50 Shore A to 60 Shore A, but may vary from 30 to 70 Shore A. In one embodiment, a range of 48-52 Shore A is used.
The flexible silicone layer 106 is molded to fit directly into, and to conform closely to, the hard plastic back shell 108. The flexible silicone layer 106 has a plurality of silicone layer openings 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144. Each of these silicone layer openings 130-144 is aligned with back shell hooks 114-128, respectively.
Each of the back shell hooks 114-128 is recessed inwardly from the outer edge of the hard plastic back shell 108 so as to engage the silicone layer openings 130-144. The back shell hooks 114-128 are inserted through the silicone layer openings 130-144 from the outside of the flexible silicone layer 106 and extend inwardly to the interior portion of the flexible silicone layer 106. In this fashion, the back shell hooks 114-128 are disposed inside of the flexible silicone layer 106, adjacent recessed portions, such as recessed portions 182, 184 in flexible silicone layer 106, which allows the back shell hooks 114-128 to engage the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
By inserting the recessed back shell hooks 114-128 through silicone layer openings 130-144, the back shell hooks 114-128 are hidden by the flexible silicone layer 106 and a clean and decorative appearance is provided from the outside of the hard plastic back shell 108. Also, since the back shell hooks 114-128 are recessed inwardly and the flexible silicone layer 106 is recessed outwardly, next to silicone layer openings 130-144, such as recessed portions 182, 184, there is little or no deflection of the flexible silicone layer 106 resulting from insertion of the back shell hooks, which further assists the combination of the hard plastic back shell 108 and the flexible silicone layer 106, to function as a single integrated unit.
Upon assembly, the hard plastic back shell 108 and the flexible silicone layer 106 may be securely married together as a result of the mechanical connection between the recessed back shell hooks 114-128 and the silicone layer openings 130-144, since the back shell hooks 114-128 are inserted through silicone layer openings 130-144. In this manner, the flexible silicone layer 106 appears to be part of the hard plastic back shell 108 and functions as a single integrated unit. As a result, the flexible silicone layer 106 can be made from a soft, flexible material that is more easily capable of absorbing shocks since deformation and movement of the flexible silicone layer 106 away from the hard plastic back shell 108 is substantially restricted.
The back shell openings 152-160 are aligned with various portions of the flexible silicone layer 106, as disclosed in more detail below. As also shown in FIG. 1, silicone layer operational features 180 are disposed in the flexible silicone layer 106 that are disposed in the back shell openings 152-160 when the flexible silicone layer 106 is married to the hard plastic back shell 108. The silicone layer operational features 180 generically refer to the various pads, portals, access panels and other operational features of the flexible silicone layer 106.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the hard plastic back shell 108. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hard plastic back shell 108 includes a plurality of back shell hooks 114-128 that are recessed from the outer surface of the hard plastic back shell 108. The back shell hooks 114-128 slide through the silicone layer openings 130-144 of flexible silicone layer 106 (FIG. 1) and are hidden by the flexible silicone layer 106. The silicone layer operational features 180 are disposed in the back shell openings 152-160, as disclosed in more detail below, to prevent the entry of dust, dirt and moisture.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the flexible silicone layer 106 disposed in the hard plastic back shell 108. As shown in FIG. 3, back shell hooks 114, 116, 118 are inserted through silicone layer openings 130, 132, 134 in the flexible silicone layer 106. Back shell hooks 114, 116, 118 are disposed on the interior portion of the flexible silicone layer 106 for attachment to the back portion 110 (FIG. 1) of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 (FIG. 1). Since the back shell hooks 114-118 are inserted through the silicone layer openings 130-134, back shell hooks 114-118 are not visible from the exterior of the hard plastic back shell 108.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, back shell hooks 120, 122, 124, 126, 128 (FIGS. 1 and 2) are not visible since the flexible silicone layer 106 hides the back shell hooks 120-128, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this manner, the flexible silicone layer 106 and hard plastic back shell 108 appear as a single integrated unit. Further, back shell hooks 114-128, when inserted through silicone layer openings 130-144, function to securely hold the flexible silicone layer 106 to the hard plastic back shell 108 so that the combined structure functions as a single integrated unit. FIG. 3 also includes a pivoting access panel 178, which provides access to a port on the back portion 110.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 that is aligned with the flexible silicone layer 106, which is married to the hard plastic back shell 108. As shown in FIG. 4, silicone pad 162 is disposed in back shell opening 152. Similarly, silicone pads 164, 166 are disposed in the back shell opening 154. Silicone pads 162, 164, 166 comprise silicone layer operational features 180 (FIG. 1), as well as other operational features on the flexible silicone layer 106, such as device buttons 186, 188 that are disclosed in FIG. 1.
The silicone layer operational features 180 interact with electronic device operational features 174. Specifically, silicone pad 162 interacts with the device button 186, while silicone pads 164, 166 interact with device button 188. Another silicone layer operational feature 180 comprises the silicone plug 172 that is inserted in a jack (not shown) in the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
As also illustrated in FIG. 4, the back shell hook 122 extends through the silicone layer opening 136. Similarly, back shell hook 124 is inserted through the silicone layer opening 138. Back shell hook 126 is similarly inserted through silicone layer opening 142, while back shell hook 128 is inserted through silicone layer opening 144. Each of the back shell hooks 114-128 (FIGS. 1 and 4) attach to an inner surface of the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 to securely hold the assembled flexible silicone layer 106 and hard plastic back shell 108 to the back portion 110 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104 without interfering with the sliding motion of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 (FIGS. 1 and 4) of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the hard plastic front shell 102. As shown in FIG. 5, front shell hooks 148, 150, as well as other front shell hooks not illustrated in FIG. 5, securely attach to the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104. The hard plastic front shell 102, as well as the front shell hooks, do not interfere with the sliding/articulating motion of the sliding/articulating front portion 112 of the sliding/articulating handheld electronic device 104.
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an articulating handheld electronic device 600. As shown in FIG. 6, the front portion 602 swivels away from the back portion 604 to expose a keyboard 606. The front portion, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6, includes a display 608 that is disposed at an angle to the back portion 604 and keyboard 606 to assist in viewing the information on display 608. The protective cover 100 (FIG. 1) is attached to the front portion 602 and back portion 604 in a manner that does not impede the articulating movement of the front portion 602.
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a sliding handheld electronic device 700. As shown in FIG. 7, a front portion 702 slides away from a back portion 704 to expose the keyboard 706. A hard plastic front shell, such as hard plastic front shell 102 (FIG. 1), attaches to the front portion 702 and does not interfere with the movement of the front portion 702 with regard to the back portion 704. Similarly, a hard plastic back shell and flexible silicone layer, such as hard plastic back shell 108 (FIG. 1) and flexible silicone layer 106 (FIG. 1), attach to the back portion 704 and do not interfere with the articulating movement of the front portion 702 of the sliding handheld electronic device 700.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a protective case 800 and a sliding/articulating handheld device 804. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a front flexible silicone layer 803 is disposed in hard plastic front shell 802. The combined structure is then attached to the front portion 812 of the handheld electronic device 804 with front shell hooks 814, 816, 818. The back flexible silicone layer 806 is disposed in the hard plastic back shell 808 and attaches to the back portion 810 of the handheld electronic device 804, in the same manner as disclosed with respect to FIG. 1.
The protective case 800 provides additional protection to the front portion 812 of the handheld electronic device 804 as a result of the use of the combined structure of the hard plastic front shell 802 and front flexible silicone layer 803. Hence, a flexible silicone layer is disposed under both the front plastic hard shell 802 and the hard plastic back shell 808 to provide additional protection to both the front portion 812 and the back portion 810 of the handheld electronic device 804.
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a protective case 900 that may be used for a device with a hinge and where the flexible component of the protective case may cover or span the hinge area of the device.
As shown in FIG. 9, the protective cover 900 includes a front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 that snaps onto the front face of a handheld electronic device, such as a mobile phone. Similarly, a back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 snaps onto the back surface of the mobile phone, or other electronic device.
A silicone cover 922, that is soft and flexible, has a front portion 920 that is disposed in the interior portion of the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 and a back portion 906 that is disposed in back surface hard plastic outer cover 904. A silicone hinge 908, that connects front and back portions of the silicone layer, is disposed between the front surface hard plastic cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904, and hinges along silicone fold line 910.
FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment 900 that shows a protective cover in a partially open position. The protective cover may come in three parts: a front hard plastic cover 902, a back hard plastic cover 904, and a silicone hinge 908.
In some embodiments, the silicone hinge 908 may be a separate, removable piece that is installed first, then the front cover 902 and back cover 904 may be installed on top of the silicone hinge 908.
In other embodiments, the silicone hinge 908 may be molded to one or both of the front cover 902 and back cover 904. In such an embodiment, the silicone hinge 908 may be overmolded onto the back cover 904 and/or the front cover 902. Some embodiments may use a two-shot molding technique or a separate molding operation to mold the silicone hinge 908 onto one or both of the covers.
As shown in FIG. 10, the embodiment 900, has a hinge 952 that hinges along the left vertical side 954 of handheld electronic device 950. The embodiment 900 may be a protective cover for a cellular telephone or other handheld mobile device. Openings 912, 914, illustrated in FIG. 9, allow a user to view activity and enter information into the electronic device. As also shown in FIG. 9, the silicone hinge 908 may include pads 916 that assist the user in entering information into the side of the handheld electronic device. The silicone hinge 908 provides protection to the left side edge 954 of the handheld electronic device and allows information to be entered into the handheld electronic device through pads 916 on the left side edge 954 of the handheld electronic device, while the protective case 900 and the handheld electronic device are in a closed position.
In other words, the silicone hinge 908 allows access to buttons 958 (FIG. 10) on the side 954 of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device and the protective case 900 are in a closed position, and the silicone hinge 908 provides protection to the side of the handheld electronic device adjacent to the silicone hinge 908. Additionally, the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 provide additional protection from impacts and help disperse impacts throughout the softer silicone layer 922 that is disposed under the hard plastic covers 902, 904.
FIG. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 11, the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 has openings 912, 914. The back portion 906 of the silicone inner cover 922 can be viewed through the openings 912, 914. In addition, pads 916 are shown as part of the silicone hinge 908 that interface with buttons 958 on the handheld electronic device that is disposed in the protective case 900.
FIG. 12 is a back view of the protective case 900. As shown in FIG. 12, the back surface hard plastic outer cover 904 has an opening 918. The front portion 920 of the silicone inner cover 922 that is disposed in an inner portion of the front surface hard plastic outer cover 902 is visible through the opening 918. As also illustrated in FIG. 3, the back surface hard plastic outer layer 904 covers only a portion of the back surface, so that silicone hinge 908 is partially exposed. In this manner, silicone hinge 908 has a broad area to flex when the protective case 900 is in the open position.
Pads 916 allow activation of buttons 958 on the enclosed handheld electronic device while the protective case 900 is in the closed position. In this manner, the entire side of the enclosed electronic device is protected by the silicone hinge 908, while the pads 916 allow access to the enclosed handheld electronic device.
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the three pieces of the embodiment of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 13, the front surface hard plastic shell 902 is aligned to cover the front portion of the silicone cover 920. The back surface hard plastic cover 904 is aligned to cover the back portion 906 of the silicone cover 922. The silicone hinge 908 connects the front portion 922 to the back portion 906 of the silicone cover 922.
Mechanical connectors 924 illustrate the manner in which the back surface hard plastic cover 904 attaches to the back portion 956 (FIG. 10) of the handheld electronic device. Similarly, front surface hard plastic shell 902 includes similar mechanical connectors (not shown) that connect the front surface hard plastic shell 902 to the front portion 960 (FIG. 10) of the handheld electronic device.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the silicone cover 922 is a continuous cover that is disposed within the front surface hard plastic cover 902 and the back surface hard plastic cover 904, and extends around the side of the handheld electronic device to provide protection to the front, back and side portions of the handheld electronic device. In this manner, protection is not only provided to the front and back faces, but also at the location where the handheld electronic device 950 hinges, as illustrated in FIG. 10, with a continuous silicone cover.
As disclosed above, the connecting silicone hinge 908 includes pads 916 (FIG. 9) that allow activation of buttons 958 (FIG. 10), while the protective case 900 is in a closed position. In this manner, the silicone cover 922 provides protection to the handheld electronic device and allows activation of buttons in the hinge area of the handheld electronic device. Further, the combination of the hard plastic covers 902, 904 that surround the softer silicone cover 922 provides a substantial amount of protection to the handheld electronic device that is not available from either the use of just a silicone cover or hard plastic covers.
The hard plastic covers 902, 904 protect the handheld electronic device from sharp impacts. The shock of hard impacts is spread along the surface of the hard plastic outer covers 902, 904, and is absorbed by the silicone cover 922. In this manner, the combination of the hard plastic covers 902, 904 and the silicone cover 922 provides both protection and accessibility that has not been available to hinged type of handheld electronic devices, such as flip phones.
Although the embodiment 900 is shown as a handheld electronic device that pivots along a side portion, a silicone hinge can also be provided on a top portion of a protective cover for handheld electronic devices that hinge along a top portion. Further, a silicone hinge can be provided along a bottom portion of the protective cover for handheld electronic devices that hinge along a bottom portion. Of course, the silicone hinge can be employed on either side of the protective cover, depending upon which side the electronic device hinges.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims (19)

What is claimed is:
1. A protective cover for a portable computing device, the portable computing device having a plastic shell that includes at least a first portion and a second portion, the second portion of the plastic shell connected to the first portion of the plastic shell through a hinge such that the second portion of the plastic shell of the portable computing device articulates relative to the first portion, the protective cover comprising:
a first hardshell component configured to removably attach to the first portion of the plastic shell of the portable computing device by snapping onto the first portion of the portable computing device to cover and protect at least one surface of the first portion of the portable computing device;
a second hardshell component configured to removably attach to the second portion of the plastic shell of the portable computing device by snapping onto the second portion of the portable computing device to cover and protect at least one surface of the second portion of the portable computing device; and
a silicone hinge attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the silicone hinge of the protective cover is configured to align with the hinge of the portable computing device when the first and the second hardshell components are snapped onto the first and the second plastic shell portions of the portable computing device, respectively, wherein the silicone hinge of the protective cover flexes to allow second hardshell component to articulate relative to the first hardshell component and enables the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the first and second plastic shell portions of the portable computing device.
2. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge of the protective cover protects at least a portion of the hinge of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
3. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge of the protective cover extends under at least one of the first and the second hardshell components to further protect at least one of the first and the second portions of the plastic shell when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
4. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component includes an opening providing access to a feature of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
5. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge is molded onto the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component.
6. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge is comolded with at least one of the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component.
7. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge includes one or more pads for accessing a button of the portable computing device.
8. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the portable computing device is a smartphone.
9. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the portable computing device is a laptop computer.
10. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the portable computing device is a tablet computer.
11. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the first hardshell component protects at least a second surface of the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
12. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the silicone hinge extends around to a side portion of the portable computing device to protect the side portion when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
13. A case for protecting a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a plastic shell comprising a first portion and a second portion that is hingedly attached to the first portion with a hinging portion such that the second portion articulates relative to the first portion, the case comprising:
a first hardshell member removably attachable to the first portion of the plastic shell of the portable electronic device for protecting the first portion of the portable electronic device;
a second hardshell member removably attachable to the second portion of the plastic shell of the portable electronic device for protecting the second portion of the portable electronic device, wherein the first hardshell member and the second hardshell member removably snap onto the first portion of the portable electronic device and the second portion of the portable electronic device, respectively; and
a flexible hinge member permanently affixed to the first hardshell member and permanently affixed to the second hardshell member, wherein the first hardshell member is attached to the second hardshell member through the flexible hinge member, and wherein the flexible hinge member is in proximity to the hinging portion of the portable electronic device when the first and the second hardshell members of the case are attached to the respective first and second shell portions of the portable electronic device, the flexible hinge member permitting articulation of the second portion of the portable electronic device relative to the first portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device due to flexing of a flexible elastomeric material that comprises the flexible hinge member.
14. The case of claim 13 wherein the flexible hinge member of the case protects the hinging portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device.
15. The case of claim 13 wherein the flexible elastomeric material comprises silicone.
16. The case of claim 13 wherein the flexible hinge member extends around a side portion of the portable electronic device to protect the side portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device.
17. The case of claim 13 wherein the flexible hinge member of the case is molded onto the first and the second hardshell members.
18. The case of claim 17 wherein the flexible hinge member of the case is molded onto the first and the second hardshell members using a two shot molding process.
19. A case for protecting a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a shell comprising a first portion and a second portion that is hingedly attached to the first portion with a hinging portion such that the second portion articulates relative to the first portion, the case comprising:
a first hardshell member removably attachable to the first portion of the shell of the portable electronic device for protecting the first portion of the portable electronic device;
a second hardshell member removably attachable to the second portion of the shell of the portable electronic device for protecting the second portion of the portable electronic device; and
a flexible hinge member permanently affixed to the first hardshell member and permanently affixed to the second hardshell member, wherein the first hardshell member is attached to the second hardshell member through the flexible hinge member, wherein the flexible hinge member is in proximity to the hinging portion of the portable electronic device when the first and the second hardshell members of the case are attached to the respective first and second shell portions of the portable electronic device, the flexible hinge member permitting articulation of the second portion of the portable electronic device relative to the first portion of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device due to flexing of a flexible elastomeric material that comprises the flexible hinge member, and wherein the flexible elastomeric material that comprises the flexible hinge member extends under at least one of the first hardshell member and the second hardshell member and between the at least one of the hardshell members and a respective one of the first portion and the second portion of the shell of the portable electronic device when the case is attached to the portable electronic device.
US14/671,701 2010-03-17 2015-03-27 Protective case for articulating electronic device Active 2031-04-19 US9703330B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/671,701 US9703330B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2015-03-27 Protective case for articulating electronic device
US15/444,477 US10016039B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-02-28 Protective case for articulating electronic device
US15/783,520 US10258127B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-10-13 Protective case for portable electronic device
US16/168,985 US10905213B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2018-10-24 Protective case for portable electronic device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US31495410P 2010-03-17 2010-03-17
US31753710P 2010-03-25 2010-03-25
US13/050,791 US9025317B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2011-03-17 Multi-material protective case for sliding/articulating/rotating handheld electronic devices
US14/671,701 US9703330B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2015-03-27 Protective case for articulating electronic device

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/050,791 Continuation US9025317B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2011-03-17 Multi-material protective case for sliding/articulating/rotating handheld electronic devices

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/444,477 Continuation US10016039B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-02-28 Protective case for articulating electronic device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150205332A1 US20150205332A1 (en) 2015-07-23
US9703330B2 true US9703330B2 (en) 2017-07-11

Family

ID=44647088

Family Applications (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/050,791 Active 2031-07-01 US9025317B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2011-03-17 Multi-material protective case for sliding/articulating/rotating handheld electronic devices
US14/671,701 Active 2031-04-19 US9703330B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2015-03-27 Protective case for articulating electronic device
US15/444,477 Active US10016039B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-02-28 Protective case for articulating electronic device
US15/783,520 Active US10258127B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-10-13 Protective case for portable electronic device
US16/168,985 Active 2031-08-11 US10905213B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2018-10-24 Protective case for portable electronic device

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/050,791 Active 2031-07-01 US9025317B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2011-03-17 Multi-material protective case for sliding/articulating/rotating handheld electronic devices

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/444,477 Active US10016039B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-02-28 Protective case for articulating electronic device
US15/783,520 Active US10258127B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-10-13 Protective case for portable electronic device
US16/168,985 Active 2031-08-11 US10905213B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2018-10-24 Protective case for portable electronic device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (5) US9025317B2 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170164705A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2017-06-15 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for articulating electronic device
USD823264S1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-07-17 Universal Electronics Inc. Remote control housing
USD825494S1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-08-14 Universal Electronics Inc. Remote control housing
CN108932033A (en) * 2018-06-22 2018-12-04 联想(北京)有限公司 A kind of protective shell and the electronic equipment with the protective shell
US10585450B1 (en) * 2019-04-26 2020-03-10 Max Interactive, Inc. Protective cover for a laptop computer
US10627856B1 (en) * 2019-02-27 2020-04-21 Sonnenschein(Shenzhen) Ind. Co., Ltd. Foldable protective assembly and protective case thereof
US11689239B2 (en) 2020-11-23 2023-06-27 Speculative Product Design, Llc Outer case for a foldable mobile device

Families Citing this family (106)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8505718B2 (en) * 2007-04-13 2013-08-13 Griffin Technology, Inc. Portable electronic device case configuration
US20110319147A1 (en) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co., Inc. Mobile device case sliding rail and latch
US9549598B2 (en) 2010-10-12 2017-01-24 Treefrog Developments, Inc. Housing for encasing an electronic device
EP2628064A2 (en) * 2010-10-12 2013-08-21 Tree Frog Developments, Inc. Housing for encasing an object
US8869573B2 (en) * 2011-06-14 2014-10-28 ACCO Brands Corporation Protective case for physically securing a portable electronic device
US9027814B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2015-05-12 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co., Inc. Holster accommodating different sized portable device cases
US8584847B2 (en) 2011-06-21 2013-11-19 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co., Inc. Portable device case with corner protection element
JP5542100B2 (en) * 2011-06-29 2014-07-09 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント Portable electronic devices
US8694064B2 (en) * 2011-07-22 2014-04-08 Sgp Korea Case for mobile electronic device with touch screen
AU2012298289B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2017-05-04 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Waterproof case
US9795044B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2017-10-17 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Waterproof case
JP5684083B2 (en) 2011-09-29 2015-03-11 ジーイー・メディカル・システムズ・グローバル・テクノロジー・カンパニー・エルエルシー Probe cover, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic image display device
US9116665B2 (en) * 2011-10-10 2015-08-25 AFC Trident, Inc. Modular protective cover with accessory slot for portable electronic device
TWI451828B (en) * 2011-11-25 2014-09-01 Inventec Corp Mobile device case
CN103135708A (en) * 2011-11-30 2013-06-05 英业达股份有限公司 Shell body of mobile device
WO2013123614A1 (en) * 2012-02-20 2013-08-29 Wen Meichan Attracting-type separable mobile phone backup power supply
US9256258B2 (en) 2012-02-29 2016-02-09 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Tablet case
KR101929879B1 (en) * 2012-04-09 2019-03-15 삼성전자주식회사 Portable terminal
US8594755B1 (en) 2012-05-03 2013-11-26 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co., Inc. Mobile device case with a screen protector
US9101188B2 (en) * 2012-05-08 2015-08-11 Otter Products, Llc Protective case with integral stand
US8774882B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2014-07-08 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co. Mobile device case with removably insertable corners
US9413412B2 (en) * 2012-08-30 2016-08-09 Glenfield Gipson Electronic device protective case and article carrying pouch
US9180495B2 (en) 2012-09-17 2015-11-10 K2Invent LLC Display surface cleaning system
US20140098476A1 (en) * 2012-10-09 2014-04-10 John R. Severson Electronic device cover
US20140104771A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-17 Matthew A. COLAN Universal Keyless Entry System
DE102012220693A1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2014-05-15 Trumpf Medizin Systeme Gmbh + Co. Kg Protective device for a HMI device
JP5973335B2 (en) * 2012-12-13 2016-08-23 京セラ株式会社 Electronic device having waterproof structure
US9774192B2 (en) * 2013-01-04 2017-09-26 Otter Products, Llc Electronic device case
USD902192S1 (en) 2013-01-17 2020-11-17 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Phone case
US8955678B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-02-17 Pelican Products, Inc. Protective cases for mobile electronic communication devices
WO2014144159A1 (en) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co. Waterproof mobile device case
US9287916B2 (en) * 2013-05-10 2016-03-15 Otter Products, Llc Removable screen protector
TWI609620B (en) * 2013-06-17 2017-12-21 富智康(香港)有限公司 Electronic device
US20150014188A1 (en) * 2013-07-10 2015-01-15 AFC Trident, Inc. Case for a portable electronic device having rims and a material
US9223346B2 (en) 2013-08-27 2015-12-29 Wimo Labs LLC Mobile device case
US9462099B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2016-10-04 Wimo Labs LLC Mobile device case
US9614569B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-04-04 Wimo Labs LLC Waterproof casing with exposed display surface
US9537526B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-01-03 Wimo Labs LLC Door securement mechanism for waterproof encasement
WO2015033472A1 (en) * 2013-09-09 2015-03-12 三菱電機株式会社 Electronic apparatus
US9375609B2 (en) * 2013-10-28 2016-06-28 Landscape Structures Inc. Rope clamp system
US9256252B2 (en) * 2013-12-17 2016-02-09 Getac Technology Corporation Mobile device protecting structure
US10003370B2 (en) * 2013-12-24 2018-06-19 Incipio, Llc Protective case for mobile device with displaced camera control
USD759641S1 (en) 2014-01-07 2016-06-21 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Phone case
CN106465557B (en) 2014-01-07 2020-01-17 卡达利国际有限公司 Waterproof casing
US9946312B2 (en) 2014-04-23 2018-04-17 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Articulated screen cover for accommodating objects
USD816650S1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2018-05-01 Valor Communication, Inc. Cell phone protector case
US20150331448A1 (en) * 2014-05-14 2015-11-19 Cuong H. Truong Built-in retractable hanger for mobile devices
USD749322S1 (en) 2014-05-15 2016-02-16 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Sleeve case
JP2015225888A (en) * 2014-05-26 2015-12-14 エレコム株式会社 Protective cover for electronic apparatus
USD775614S1 (en) * 2014-07-24 2017-01-03 Spigen Korea Co., Ltd. Case for electronic device
US10288263B2 (en) * 2014-08-08 2019-05-14 Kaneka Corporation Planar light-emitting panel and elastic jacket
US9756914B2 (en) 2014-09-03 2017-09-12 Apple Inc. Case for a portable electronic device
WO2016036407A1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2016-03-10 Apple Inc. Case for a portable electronic device
WO2016036361A1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2016-03-10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L. P. Protective case with barcode scanner
US9912368B2 (en) * 2014-10-13 2018-03-06 Spigen Korea Co., Ltd. Case having standing leg for electronic devices
US9677702B2 (en) 2014-10-13 2017-06-13 Spigen Korea Co, Ltd. Case having standing leg for electronic devices
US9698848B2 (en) * 2014-11-14 2017-07-04 Cane Wireless Inc. Protective case accessory with multi-function button for smart-phone device
US9467189B2 (en) * 2014-12-15 2016-10-11 Samsonite Ip Holdings S.Àr.L. Bridge strengthener for a case port
CN204463819U (en) * 2015-01-20 2015-07-08 环旭电子股份有限公司 A kind of sectional casing and solid state hard disc
US9300768B1 (en) * 2015-02-26 2016-03-29 Elizabeth Incorporated Protective case for portable electronic device
USD790524S1 (en) 2015-02-26 2017-06-27 Cradl, Ltd. Protective cover for an electronic communications device
US9480319B2 (en) 2015-02-26 2016-11-01 Cradl, Ltd. Protective case for portable electronic device
USD790523S1 (en) 2015-02-26 2017-06-27 Cradl, Ltd. Protective cover for an electronic communications device
DE102015204393A1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-29 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. hearing Aid
US9577697B2 (en) 2015-05-27 2017-02-21 Otter Products, Llc Protective case with stylus access feature
CN107920642B (en) * 2015-08-03 2020-08-25 林裕燮 Protective shell of outer folding image display device with flexible display equipment and protective shell application scheme
KR200486692Y1 (en) * 2015-08-18 2018-07-19 주식회사 슈피겐코리아 Case Having Double Layers For Electronic Devices
EP3255963B1 (en) 2015-10-10 2019-05-29 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Electronic apparatus
US20210177115A1 (en) * 2015-10-26 2021-06-17 Incase Designs Corp. Case for portable electronic device
US20170155418A1 (en) * 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Spigen Korea Co., Ltd. Magnetic mount for electronic devices
US10098428B2 (en) 2015-11-26 2018-10-16 Izak Van der Merwe Horizontal rotating spineboard washer
JP6851080B2 (en) * 2015-12-24 2021-03-31 株式会社パワーサポート Protective equipment
US9529388B1 (en) * 2016-01-14 2016-12-27 Hamid Mchatet Computer case assembly mounting system
CN105763690A (en) * 2016-05-11 2016-07-13 湖南融欣网络科技有限公司 Heat-dissipation mobile phone shell
US10727890B2 (en) * 2016-05-13 2020-07-28 Spigen Korea Co., Ltd. Case having extension connector for electronic device
US9831905B1 (en) 2016-10-12 2017-11-28 Pelican Products, Inc. Control feature of a protective case for engaging a switch of an electronic device
EP3539279A1 (en) 2016-11-14 2019-09-18 Otter Products, LLC Protective enclosure for encasing an electronic device
CN106455379B (en) * 2016-12-01 2022-03-18 北京小米移动软件有限公司 Electronic equipment shell
DE102017110345A1 (en) * 2017-05-12 2018-11-15 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Housing for a buckle
US10469119B2 (en) * 2017-05-25 2019-11-05 Spigen Korea Co., Ltd. Magnetic mount for electronic devices
GB2565099A (en) * 2017-08-01 2019-02-06 Delphi Tech Inc Display assembly with an internal casing
CN107398687A (en) * 2017-08-21 2017-11-28 广东长盈精密技术有限公司 The processing method and electronic equipment bonnet of electronic equipment bonnet
TWI667888B (en) * 2017-08-23 2019-08-01 愛進化科技股份有限公司 Protective shell set connection unit
USD915369S1 (en) * 2017-11-28 2021-04-06 Evolutive Labs Co., Ltd. Removable rear ornamental frame for a mobile phone case
USD984425S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Mobile phone protection case
USD924863S1 (en) 2018-09-11 2021-07-13 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Phone case
CN109501308A (en) * 2018-10-19 2019-03-22 兴科电子(东莞)有限公司 A kind of technique of 3DPE film and silica gel shaping mobile phone protective case
JP7291684B2 (en) * 2018-10-29 2023-06-21 家登精密工業股▲ふん▼有限公司 Reticle holding system
USD903685S1 (en) 2019-03-29 2020-12-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Electronic case
US10790869B1 (en) 2019-06-07 2020-09-29 Fosmon IP Holding Company, LLC Split screen phone carrying case with stand
USD958146S1 (en) 2019-06-20 2022-07-19 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
USD933075S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2021-10-12 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for a mobile communication device
USD974330S1 (en) 2019-06-26 2023-01-03 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
US11076028B2 (en) 2019-08-30 2021-07-27 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Switch assembly for engaging a switch of an electronic device
CN112527049B (en) * 2019-09-03 2024-04-30 仁宝电脑工业股份有限公司 Folding electronic device
US11301003B2 (en) * 2019-09-24 2022-04-12 Getac Technology Corporation Eletronic device with anti-shock function
CN110650230B (en) * 2019-09-26 2021-01-26 昆山工研院新型平板显示技术中心有限公司 Expansion screen and electronic equipment
US11083263B2 (en) * 2019-10-09 2021-08-10 Guadalupe Reyes Cellular device case having a built-in mount
CN110667043A (en) * 2019-10-15 2020-01-10 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Injection mold, mobile phone battery case, preparation method of mobile phone battery case and mobile terminal
USD932479S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-10-05 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD931845S1 (en) 2020-02-11 2021-09-28 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic communications device
USD941297S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-01-18 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic device
USD942438S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2022-02-01 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Bumper for electronic communications device
USD984449S1 (en) 2020-02-28 2023-04-25 Catalyst Lifestyle Limited Case for electronic device
US11402877B2 (en) 2020-05-19 2022-08-02 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for folding electronic device
US12052043B2 (en) 2021-03-01 2024-07-30 Otter Products, Llc Protective case attached with anchors

Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994000037A1 (en) 1992-06-24 1994-01-06 Cad Forms Technology Inc. A pen based computer protective case
WO1999041958A1 (en) 1998-02-16 1999-08-19 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Protective case for portable electronic apparatus
US6109434A (en) * 1999-01-16 2000-08-29 Howard, Jr.; William E. Protective case for portable computer
US20020065054A1 (en) 2000-11-29 2002-05-30 Morris Humphreys Mobile station and elastomeric cover
US20030095374A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2003-05-22 Richardson Curtis R. Protective case for touch screen device
US20030114184A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-19 Simon Wilson Electronic device
US20040180706A1 (en) * 2003-03-14 2004-09-16 Benq Corporation Exchangeable decor panel for portable cellular phone
US20040256535A1 (en) * 2003-04-08 2004-12-23 Desch Kim L. Assistive ergonomic desktop system and modular components
US20040262179A1 (en) * 2003-06-30 2004-12-30 Nokia Corporation Belt covering for a mobile station and method of using the same
US20050139498A1 (en) 2001-11-03 2005-06-30 Jean Goros Protective sleeve for small portable electronic devices
US20060177048A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-08-10 Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. Foldable cellular phone
US20060175370A1 (en) * 2005-01-03 2006-08-10 Michel Arney Removable mounting post assembly for a carrying case
US20070205122A1 (en) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-06 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Folding portable electronic equipment
US20080032758A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2008-02-07 Ramin Rostami Handheld device protective case
US20080053851A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Protective apparatus for a portable device
US20080083631A1 (en) * 2006-10-10 2008-04-10 Chun Chee Tsang Water-resistant combination case for handheld electronic devices
US20080121321A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-05-29 Tbac Investment Trust Digital media device billfold
US20080125197A1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-05-29 Fujitsu Limited Mobile terminal apparatus
US20090009945A1 (en) * 2001-11-19 2009-01-08 Jamie Lee Johnson Protective enclosure for touch screen device
US20090032421A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Belkin International, Inc. Case configured to hold portable computer and method of manufacturing and using the same
US20090034169A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2009-02-05 Richardson Curtis R Detachable pod assembly for protective case
US20090194445A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Ryan Mongan Electronic device carrying sleeve
US20100096284A1 (en) 2008-06-27 2010-04-22 Steven Chi Vun Bau Protective case having a hybrid structure for portable handheld electronic devices
US7933122B2 (en) * 2007-06-06 2011-04-26 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure for a computer
US20120154288A1 (en) * 2010-12-17 2012-06-21 Research In Motion Limited Portable electronic device having a sensor arrangement for gesture recognition

Family Cites Families (376)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2164221A (en) * 1936-09-10 1939-06-27 Ranco Inc Control apparatus
US2392787A (en) * 1944-07-27 1946-01-08 Hamilton Watch Co Water resistant watchcase
US2851670A (en) * 1955-06-02 1958-09-09 Empire Prod Inc Cable connector
US3023885A (en) * 1960-03-07 1962-03-06 Bemis Bro Bag Co Package for delicate articles
US3184847A (en) * 1961-04-14 1965-05-25 Anelex Corp Digital coordinate resolver
US3143384A (en) * 1962-09-24 1964-08-04 Empire Prod Inc Cable connector assembly
US3482895A (en) * 1968-01-26 1969-12-09 Crate Rite Inc Protective case for electronic instruments
US3521216A (en) * 1968-06-19 1970-07-21 Manuel Jerair Tolegian Magnetic plug and socket assembly
US3590988A (en) * 1969-01-03 1971-07-06 Gould National Batteries Inc Display and shipping containers
US3665991A (en) * 1970-07-24 1972-05-30 George W Gillemot Protective enclosure for test instrument
US3689866A (en) * 1970-09-11 1972-09-05 William Kelly Heavy duty cable connector
US3832725A (en) * 1973-07-09 1974-08-27 Polaroid Corp Underwater housing for enclosing photographic apparatus
CH612516A5 (en) * 1976-02-06 1979-07-31 Alfons Cramer
GB2058374B (en) * 1978-10-27 1982-12-08 Nippon Kogaku Kk Water-proof camera
JPS5567735A (en) * 1978-11-14 1980-05-22 Minolta Camera Co Ltd Waterproof outside box of camera
US4312580A (en) * 1978-12-21 1982-01-26 Eumig Elektrizitats- Und Metallwaren-Industrie Gesellschaft M.B.H. Watertight housing
US4686332A (en) * 1986-06-26 1987-08-11 International Business Machines Corporation Combined finger touch and stylus detection system for use on the viewing surface of a visual display device
US4298204A (en) * 1980-01-21 1981-11-03 Black & Decker Inc. Seal
US4335930A (en) * 1980-06-16 1982-06-22 Amp Incorporated Toolless phone plug
US4352968A (en) * 1981-02-09 1982-10-05 Kb Denver, Inc. Elastomeric boot for a keyboard subassembly
US4418830A (en) * 1981-08-27 1983-12-06 Motorola, Inc. Moisture and dust seal arrangement for a portable radio or the like
US4420078A (en) * 1981-10-30 1983-12-13 Norland Corporation Carrying case for a cardiac pacer
CA1217560A (en) * 1983-02-08 1987-02-03 Susumu Iwasawa Cassette tape players
US4584718A (en) * 1983-03-31 1986-04-22 Product Masters, Inc. Waterproof enclosure for portable radio or tape player
US4546874A (en) * 1984-02-27 1985-10-15 Kirchhan James J Container and sealing enclosure
US4658956A (en) * 1984-05-30 1987-04-21 El Planning System Ltd. Portable case for a small size audio-visual sensory apparatus
US4803504A (en) * 1984-09-03 1989-02-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Waterproof camera
US4683587A (en) * 1985-06-11 1987-07-28 Silverman Michael D Submersible personal stereo
US4733776A (en) * 1985-07-08 1988-03-29 Keith Ward Protective device for remote control unit
US4712657A (en) * 1986-02-12 1987-12-15 Andiamo Inc. Method and means for sealing a carrying case
US4703161A (en) * 1986-09-30 1987-10-27 Mclean Roger D Ruggedized calculator
IT1208461B (en) * 1987-01-30 1989-06-22 Granarolo Dell Emilia Bo Melic SHOCKPROOF PROTECTIVE CASE FOR REMOTE CONTROLS IN PARTICULAR OF TVS
US5239323A (en) * 1987-07-23 1993-08-24 Johnson John D Waterproof camera housing
GB8717455D0 (en) * 1987-07-23 1987-08-26 Johnson J D Waterproof camera housing
US4942514A (en) * 1987-11-17 1990-07-17 Hitachi, Ltd. Process monitoring and control system and method of process monitoring and control
US4762227A (en) * 1987-11-19 1988-08-09 Patterson Robert C Resilient housing for remote controllers
US4963902A (en) * 1988-01-19 1990-10-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera system
US4977483A (en) * 1989-05-25 1990-12-11 Perretta Louis A Electronic component storage album
US5002184A (en) * 1989-06-12 1991-03-26 Grid Systems Corporation Soft case protection for a hand held computer
US4984706A (en) 1989-06-30 1991-01-15 Poqet Computer Corporation Hinged casing
JP2864384B2 (en) * 1989-07-10 1999-03-03 株式会社ニコン Mounting mechanism for camera and its interchangeable lens
EP0421025B1 (en) * 1989-10-02 1999-05-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Data processing system with a touch screen and a digitizing tablet, both integrated in an input device
US5123044A (en) * 1990-01-10 1992-06-16 Tate Marc B Protective cover for a mobile telephone
JP2811921B2 (en) * 1990-06-20 1998-10-15 ソニー株式会社 Camera mounting structure in camera waterproof case
JP2555684Y2 (en) * 1990-08-04 1997-11-26 株式会社ニコン Lens mount device for waterproof camera
US5025921A (en) * 1990-08-17 1991-06-25 Motorola, Inc. Environmental radio guard
US5294988A (en) * 1990-09-21 1994-03-15 Hitachi, Ltd. Electronic apparatus with a watertight housing
JP2545885Y2 (en) * 1990-11-19 1997-08-27 旭光学工業株式会社 Camera waterproof device
US5175873A (en) * 1990-12-24 1992-12-29 Motorola, Inc. Water resistant selective call receiver
JP2811234B2 (en) 1991-01-14 1998-10-15 キヤノン株式会社 Camera waterproof case
US5092459A (en) * 1991-01-30 1992-03-03 Daniel Uljanic Cover for remote control unit
US5239324A (en) * 1991-02-04 1993-08-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Underwater housing and an underwater taking camera
JPH04349316A (en) * 1991-05-24 1992-12-03 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Waterproof switch for electronic equipment
US5368159A (en) * 1991-06-14 1994-11-29 Daniels S.R.L. Protection case for remote controls
US5505328A (en) * 1991-07-22 1996-04-09 Woods & Brooks Ltd. Modular container apparatus
JPH05188457A (en) * 1992-01-09 1993-07-30 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Waterproof case
US5219067A (en) * 1992-02-04 1993-06-15 Trimble Navigation Limited Keyboard pad structure for electronic devices
US5233502A (en) * 1992-03-11 1993-08-03 International Business Machines Corp. Removable and reversible display device for portable computer
JP3301774B2 (en) * 1992-03-12 2002-07-15 株式会社日立製作所 Housing for electronic equipment, molding method therefor, and mold
US5336896A (en) * 1993-02-04 1994-08-09 Katz Joseph M Cellular telephone users protective device
US5383091A (en) * 1993-02-22 1995-01-17 Sony Electronics, Inc. Grip and protective casing for cellular telephone
US6049813A (en) * 1993-02-26 2000-04-11 Intermec Ip Corp. Portable work station-type data collection system
US5386084A (en) * 1993-07-22 1995-01-31 Ii Morrow Inc. Electronic device enclosure
US5360108A (en) * 1993-08-24 1994-11-01 Sedi S.R.L. Electronic device shock absorber
US5380968A (en) * 1993-09-29 1995-01-10 A.P.M. Hexseal Corporation Protective cover for switches
US5586176A (en) * 1993-09-30 1996-12-17 Peck/Pelissier Integrated wireless communication system
US6313892B2 (en) 1993-10-05 2001-11-06 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Light source utilizing reflective cavity having sloped side surfaces
US5388691A (en) * 1993-10-21 1995-02-14 White; Nona J. Protective case for remote control transmitter
JPH07154840A (en) 1993-11-26 1995-06-16 Casio Comput Co Ltd Radio receiver
US5583742A (en) * 1993-12-15 1996-12-10 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Computer with protective cover having outwardly projecting cushioning portions
US5388692A (en) * 1994-01-03 1995-02-14 Withrow; Joseph E. Lighting cover for a remote control unit
US5573164A (en) * 1994-01-11 1996-11-12 Law; Carl F. Interchangeably mounted accessories for vehicular use
US5548306A (en) * 1994-04-28 1996-08-20 At&T Global Information Solutions Company Visible and touchable touch screen shield
US5713048A (en) * 1994-05-24 1998-01-27 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Waterproof and/or water-resistant camera
US5946501A (en) * 1994-05-24 1999-08-31 Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Waterproof and/or water-resistant camera
US5584054A (en) * 1994-07-18 1996-12-10 Motorola, Inc. Communication device having a movable front cover for exposing a touch sensitive display
US5675810A (en) * 1994-09-07 1997-10-07 Compaq Computer Corporation Reducing power usage in a personal computer
US5713466A (en) * 1994-09-30 1998-02-03 Oi Electric Co., Ltd. Water-resistant portable receiver case
US5613237A (en) * 1994-10-17 1997-03-18 Motorola, Inc. Housing latch system utilizing an elastomeric interlocking band
US5648757A (en) * 1994-10-24 1997-07-15 Vernace; Salvatore J. Remote control protective holder and detection device
US5494157A (en) * 1994-11-14 1996-02-27 Samsonite Corporation Computer bag with side accessible padded compartments
US5499713A (en) * 1994-11-16 1996-03-19 Huffer; Richard L. Transparent remote control flexible envelope
US5508479A (en) * 1994-11-17 1996-04-16 Schooley; John L. Elastomeric rocker switch assembly
US5590760A (en) * 1994-12-27 1997-01-07 Astarb; Nicholas L. Crush-heat resistant case for spectacle protection
JPH08204356A (en) * 1995-01-27 1996-08-09 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Waterproof structure for electronic apparatus housing
US5632373A (en) * 1995-04-03 1997-05-27 Khyber Technologies Corporation Protective case for portable computer
US6031524A (en) * 1995-06-07 2000-02-29 Intermec Ip Corp. Hand-held portable data terminal having removably interchangeable, washable, user-replaceable components with liquid-impervious seal
KR0138556B1 (en) * 1995-06-14 1998-06-15 김광호 Water-proof case assembly of battery electronic device
US5636101A (en) * 1995-09-27 1997-06-03 Dynapro Systems, Inc. Touch screen enclosure system having touch screen pan and hinged rear enclosure section for ease of serviceability
US5681122A (en) * 1996-02-20 1997-10-28 Ncr Corporation Fluid isolation and dispersion system for tactile input devices
US5982520A (en) * 1996-03-28 1999-11-09 Xerox Corporation Personal storage device for application and data transfer
US5812188A (en) 1996-07-12 1998-09-22 Adair; Edwin L. Sterile encapsulated endoscopic video monitor
US6634494B1 (en) 1996-07-18 2003-10-21 Testo Ag Watertight protective device for holding a measuring or display device
DE29612454U1 (en) * 1996-07-18 1996-09-12 Testo GmbH & Co., 79853 Lenzkirch Waterproof protection device for holding a measuring or display device
JP3217972B2 (en) * 1996-08-02 2001-10-15 松下電器産業株式会社 Mobile communication device with touch panel
US6955293B1 (en) 1997-01-17 2005-10-18 Mike Katsanevas Bank card terminal cover
JPH10254041A (en) 1997-03-11 1998-09-25 Nikon Corp Waterproof housing for camera
JP3098455B2 (en) 1997-05-14 2000-10-16 邦彦 小池 Mobile phone
US6304459B1 (en) 1997-05-22 2001-10-16 Xybernaut Corp. Mobile computer
US6094785A (en) 1997-06-30 2000-08-01 Motorola, Inc. Snap apparatus for housings
US6092707A (en) 1997-09-24 2000-07-25 Bowes, Jr.; James Shock and weather protective mobile telephone case
FI104928B (en) 1997-11-27 2000-04-28 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Wireless Communication and a Method of Making a Wireless Communication Device
US6073770A (en) 1997-12-17 2000-06-13 Park; Sang Jun Briefcase having shock-absorbing function
US5889730A (en) * 1998-01-05 1999-03-30 Trigger Scuba, Inc. Underwater audio communication system using bone conducted sound
US6667738B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2003-12-23 Vtech Communications, Ltd. Touch screen overlay apparatus
ES2211031T3 (en) 1998-02-10 2004-07-01 Chung Kyun Lee SUITCASE WITH A BUCKET DAMPING UNIT.
US5956291A (en) * 1998-04-17 1999-09-21 Ductech, Llc Underwater diving assistant apparatus
US5907721A (en) * 1998-05-05 1999-05-25 Eastman Kodak Company Protective housing for camera
US6301100B1 (en) 1998-06-23 2001-10-09 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Portable electronic device having a connector and a cable for connecting with an external device
US5996790A (en) 1998-06-26 1999-12-07 Asahi Research Corporation Watertight equipment cover
US6913201B1 (en) 1998-07-10 2005-07-05 Allflex Usa, Inc. Housing for portable handheld electronic device
US6215474B1 (en) 1998-07-27 2001-04-10 Motorola, Inc. Communication device with mode change softkeys
US6353529B1 (en) * 1998-11-12 2002-03-05 Thomas Cies Z-configuration structure for computers, scanners, and communications and video devices
US6532152B1 (en) 1998-11-16 2003-03-11 Intermec Ip Corp. Ruggedized hand held computer
TW411404B (en) 1998-11-25 2000-11-11 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Film unit with waterproof lens and waterproof ring
KR100621605B1 (en) * 1998-12-02 2006-10-31 삼성전자주식회사 A case for a portable computer
US6239968B1 (en) 1998-12-21 2001-05-29 Ideo Product Development Inc. Detachable case for an electronic organizer
US6273252B1 (en) 1999-01-20 2001-08-14 Burke H. Mitchell Protective covering for a hand-held device
US6082535A (en) 1999-01-20 2000-07-04 Mitchell; Burke H. Protective covering for a cell phone or a pager
US6388877B1 (en) 1999-02-04 2002-05-14 Palm, Inc. Handheld computer with open accessory slot
GB2346759B (en) 1999-02-12 2003-06-18 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Radiotelephone
US6626362B1 (en) 1999-02-16 2003-09-30 Mark Steiner Protective cover for a hand held device
US6305656B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2001-10-23 Dash-It Usa Inc. Magnetic coupler and various embodiments thereof
US6617973B1 (en) 1999-04-09 2003-09-09 Thomas A. Osterman Underground battery vault system for communications applications
DE19923015A1 (en) 1999-05-20 2000-12-07 Testo Gmbh & Co Portable control and display device
US6987527B2 (en) 1999-06-15 2006-01-17 Philip Kossin Sealed, waterproof digital electronic camera system and method of fabricating and communicating with same
US7263032B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2007-08-28 H2O Audio, Inc. System for housing an audio system in an aquatic environment
US7535799B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2009-05-19 H2O Audio, Inc. Protective housing for an audio device
US7755975B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2010-07-13 H2O Audio, Inc. System for providing wireless waterproof audio
US6396769B1 (en) 1999-10-04 2002-05-28 Rany Polany System for housing a personal S.C.U.B.A diving audio system
JP3758129B2 (en) 1999-10-15 2006-03-22 矢崎総業株式会社 Switch device
US20020009195A1 (en) 1999-10-26 2002-01-24 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Holder for mobile telephones
US6317313B1 (en) 1999-11-09 2001-11-13 Interlogix, Inc. Case and cover for an electronic device
IT1311150B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-03-04 Green Pack Srl SYSTEM FOR THERMOFORMING SHEET MATERIAL TO OBTAIN CONTAINERS
US6701159B1 (en) 2000-03-03 2004-03-02 Andew P. Powell Jacket for cellular phone
KR100359519B1 (en) 2000-03-16 2002-10-31 주식회사 동남 실리콘 Front-cover for communication equipment
US6962454B1 (en) 2000-04-04 2005-11-08 Costello Pamella A Keyboard protective cover
US20010040109A1 (en) 2000-05-10 2001-11-15 Jud Yaski Electronic device case
US6519141B2 (en) 2000-05-12 2003-02-11 Palm, Inc. Handheld computer cover with deformable exterior
FI20001639A0 (en) 2000-07-10 2000-07-10 Moduleo Oy Mobile phone case
FR2812523B1 (en) 2000-08-04 2003-01-24 Qualipac Sa HOUSING WITH INVISIBLE ARTICULATION MEANS
US6614423B1 (en) 2000-08-21 2003-09-02 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Touch-pad cover protecting against wear, spills and abuse
US6525928B1 (en) 2000-09-20 2003-02-25 3Com Corporation Case with communication module having a latching connector for a handheld computer system
US6445577B1 (en) 2000-09-20 2002-09-03 3Com Corporation Case with communication module having a double pin hinge for a handheld computer system
US7194291B2 (en) 2001-06-26 2007-03-20 Gregory Kim Protective mask of mobile phone
DE20021027U1 (en) 2000-12-12 2001-05-17 Inventec Appliances Corp Personal digital assistant with multifunctional hinged lid
US7054441B2 (en) 2000-12-12 2006-05-30 Research In Motion Limited Mobile device having a protective user interface cover
US20020079244A1 (en) 2000-12-18 2002-06-27 Addonics Technologies, Inc. Inner enclosure with micro shock absorber for a carrying case
JP2002202557A (en) 2000-12-28 2002-07-19 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Waterproofing structure of camera
US7711400B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2010-05-04 Vertu Limited Casing
US20020085342A1 (en) 2000-12-29 2002-07-04 Shin-Chen Chen Portable computer with shockproof function
US20020085709A1 (en) 2001-01-02 2002-07-04 Gimmy Hsu Cover for portable phone
JP2002207246A (en) 2001-01-10 2002-07-26 Ricoh Co Ltd Water-proof case for camera
CA2448480A1 (en) 2001-03-05 2002-09-12 Underwater Systems & Technology Pty Ltd. Watertight universal housing
US20020137475A1 (en) 2001-03-21 2002-09-26 Hua-Tai Shou Anti electromagnetic wave box for a mobile phone
JP4107810B2 (en) 2001-03-21 2008-06-25 株式会社リコー Waterproof case for mobile devices
US6822640B2 (en) 2001-04-10 2004-11-23 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Illuminated touch pad
US6760570B1 (en) 2001-04-16 2004-07-06 Albert Gene Higdon, Jr. Waterproof radio enclosure
US6536589B2 (en) 2001-04-17 2003-03-25 Tery Chih-Hao Chang Protection device of personal digital assistant
US6456487B1 (en) 2001-04-30 2002-09-24 Nokia Corporation Enclosure for wireless communication device
US6975888B2 (en) 2001-08-20 2005-12-13 Wildseed Ltd. Interchangeable cover for a mobile communications device
US6992659B2 (en) 2001-05-22 2006-01-31 Palmone, Inc. High transparency integrated enclosure touch screen assembly for a portable hand held device
US6669017B2 (en) 2001-05-26 2003-12-30 Michael Linihan Protective cover for a key fob
US6595608B1 (en) 2001-06-05 2003-07-22 Garmin Ltd. Water-tight closure for an opening in an electronic device
US7069063B2 (en) 2001-06-19 2006-06-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited User changeable mobile phone cover
US20020195910A1 (en) 2001-06-22 2002-12-26 Hus Michael E. Protective sealable transparent flexible membrane for electronic touch screens
US6471056B1 (en) 2001-07-06 2002-10-29 Kuo-Chen Tzeng Portable electronic device protective cover
US6778388B1 (en) 2001-07-23 2004-08-17 Garmin Ltd. Water-resistant electronic enclosure having a heat sink
US7079879B1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2006-07-18 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corp. Protective cover for cellular telephone or the like
US7046230B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2006-05-16 Apple Computer, Inc. Touch pad handheld device
US20030080947A1 (en) 2001-10-31 2003-05-01 Genest Leonard J. Personal digital assistant command bar
US6698608B2 (en) 2001-10-31 2004-03-02 Pelican Products, Inc. Protective case
US7609512B2 (en) 2001-11-19 2009-10-27 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure for electronic device
US7663879B2 (en) 2001-11-19 2010-02-16 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure for personal digital assistant case having integrated back lighted keyboard
US7180735B2 (en) 2001-11-19 2007-02-20 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure and watertight adapter for an interactive flat-panel controlled device
US7230823B2 (en) 2003-08-20 2007-06-12 Otter Products, Llc Protective membrane for touch screen device
US7158376B2 (en) * 2001-11-19 2007-01-02 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure for an interactive flat-panel controlled device
US7688580B2 (en) 2001-11-19 2010-03-30 Otter Products, Llc Modular accessory for protective case enclosing touch screen device
US20030103624A1 (en) 2001-12-05 2003-06-05 Kingston Cell Taiwan Corp. Slip casing for mobile phone
US6659274B2 (en) 2001-12-14 2003-12-09 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Waterproof casing for Hewlett-Packard Jornada portable personal computer
US6636697B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-10-21 Eastman Kodak Company Depressurized underwater one-time-use camera with seal integrity indicator and method
US6625394B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-09-23 Eastman Kodak Company Two-shot molded seal integrity indicator, underwater camera, and method
US20030128397A1 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-07-10 Smith Stephen J. Camera and underwater housing having two-shot molded knob seat
US20050045505A1 (en) * 2002-01-25 2005-03-03 Luc Vandevenne Device for holding a laptop computer in a hardside computer or attache case
US6731913B2 (en) 2002-01-30 2004-05-04 Nokia Corporation Elastomeric enclosure
US6785566B1 (en) 2002-02-04 2004-08-31 Louis Irizarry Cellular telephone case
TW538329B (en) 2002-02-08 2003-06-21 Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd Portable electronic device screen protection cover and process method thereof
JP4062973B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2008-03-19 日本電気株式会社 Waterproof structure for electronic device and electronic device having the waterproof structure
US7085542B2 (en) 2002-05-30 2006-08-01 Motorola, Inc. Portable device including a replaceable cover
US7025274B2 (en) 2002-05-31 2006-04-11 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Tablet computer protective display cover and system and method incorporating same
US6721651B1 (en) 2002-06-28 2004-04-13 Garmin Ltd. Rugged, waterproof, navigation device with touch panel
US6751552B1 (en) 2002-06-28 2004-06-15 Garmin Ltd. Rugged, waterproof, navigation device with touch panel
ATE471027T1 (en) 2002-07-16 2010-06-15 Nokia Corp FLEXIBLE CASE FOR A MOBILE PHONE
US6980777B2 (en) 2002-07-31 2005-12-27 Nokia Corporation Smart pouch cover for mobile device
TW540286B (en) 2002-08-07 2003-07-01 Quanta Comp Inc Buffer device
US6616111B1 (en) 2002-08-12 2003-09-09 Gabriel A. White Hand held electronic device or game impact protector
US7089547B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2006-08-08 International Business Machines Corporation Firmware updating
US7366555B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2008-04-29 Nokia Corporation Mobile station enclosure
JP2004158650A (en) 2002-11-06 2004-06-03 Nec Corp Electromagnetic wave shield and waterproof structure casing
US6983130B2 (en) 2002-11-13 2006-01-03 Unitech Electronics Co., Ltd. Waterproof structure of handheld electronic device
US6819549B1 (en) 2002-11-14 2004-11-16 Garmin Ltd. Hinged protective cover for portable electronic device
USD581421S1 (en) 2002-11-19 2008-11-25 Otter Products, Llc PDA case
US7225923B2 (en) 2002-12-17 2007-06-05 Irwin Industrial Tool Company Multi-configured tool bit box
SG115592A1 (en) 2002-12-19 2005-10-28 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Energy source mounting device for a portable electronic apparatus
EP1577862B1 (en) * 2002-12-27 2014-01-22 Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. Display and electronic device
US6844845B1 (en) 2003-01-06 2005-01-18 Garmin Ltd. Waterproof combined global positioning system receiver and two-way radio and method of waterproof enclosure fabrication
US7151237B2 (en) 2003-01-31 2006-12-19 Neeco-Tron, Inc. Control housing and method of manufacturing same
US6914774B1 (en) 2003-02-27 2005-07-05 Palmone, Inc. Transparent cover with access to multi-way navigation assembly
US6892880B2 (en) * 2003-03-05 2005-05-17 Motion Systems, Llc PDA holding unit and holding case
JP2004286987A (en) 2003-03-20 2004-10-14 Olympus Corp Waterproofing structure
US7327841B2 (en) 2003-05-13 2008-02-05 Siemens Communications, Inc. SAR optimized receptacle for mobile devices
US7499040B2 (en) 2003-08-18 2009-03-03 Apple Inc. Movable touch pad with added functionality
US7540844B2 (en) 2003-08-20 2009-06-02 Becton, Dickinson And Company Cell scraper
US7808549B2 (en) * 2003-08-21 2010-10-05 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Electronic device
JP2005091803A (en) 2003-09-18 2005-04-07 Ricoh Co Ltd Camera and waterproof case for camera
US20050279661A1 (en) 2003-11-12 2005-12-22 Hodges Richard P Cover for remote control device
US7290654B2 (en) 2003-11-12 2007-11-06 Hodges Richard P Cover for remote control device
US7495659B2 (en) 2003-11-25 2009-02-24 Apple Inc. Touch pad for handheld device
JP2005164760A (en) 2003-11-28 2005-06-23 Olympus Corp Waterproof protector device
US7236588B2 (en) 2003-12-12 2007-06-26 Nokia Corporation Interlocking cover for mobile terminals
US7418278B2 (en) 2003-12-16 2008-08-26 Nokia Corporation Hand-portable devices and covers for hand-portable devices
EP1719042A2 (en) 2004-01-07 2006-11-08 Dow Gloval Technologies Inc. Impact-resistant case with sealable opening
US7400917B2 (en) 2004-01-30 2008-07-15 Nokia Corporation Protective devices for a mobile terminal
JP4305212B2 (en) 2004-02-18 2009-07-29 日本電気株式会社 Mobile phone and manufacturing method thereof
JP4507674B2 (en) 2004-04-12 2010-07-21 株式会社日立製作所 Hinge structure of open / close housing for electronic equipment
US20050247584A1 (en) 2004-05-05 2005-11-10 Dsi International Taiwan, Inc. Protection shell for portable video-audio device
US6971517B2 (en) 2004-05-06 2005-12-06 Kun-Chen Chen Attache style toolbox with an outer frame
USD516807S1 (en) 2004-05-18 2006-03-14 Otter Products, Llc Box
US7082264B2 (en) 2004-07-08 2006-07-25 Olympus Corporation System comprising camera and waterproof housing
US7352961B2 (en) 2004-07-08 2008-04-01 Olympus Corporation Waterproof housing compatible for a plurality of cameras
KR200366174Y1 (en) 2004-07-29 2004-11-08 하나코비 주식회사 Cellular phone case
US7050841B1 (en) 2004-08-30 2006-05-23 Hideki Francis Onda Protective enclosure for a hand-held electronic device that both stores and plays digital audio recordings
DE602005015663D1 (en) 2004-11-08 2009-09-10 Sony Corp Waterproof electronic device
CN2745104Y (en) 2004-11-12 2005-12-07 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 PDA protecting device
JP4393356B2 (en) 2004-11-22 2010-01-06 キヤノン株式会社 Camera case
TWM270706U (en) 2005-01-14 2005-07-21 Quanta Comp Inc Changeable mobile phone leather cover
EP1839519A4 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-02-27 Vodafone Plc Mobile communication terminal device cover and mobile communication terminal device
US7850032B2 (en) 2005-01-28 2010-12-14 Carnevali Jeffrey D Sealed window for dry box
US7464813B2 (en) 2005-01-28 2008-12-16 Carnevali Jeffrey D Dry box with magnification window and punch-out
US7464814B2 (en) 2005-01-28 2008-12-16 Carnevali Jeffrey D Dry box with movable protective cover
US20060172765A1 (en) * 2005-01-29 2006-08-03 Yosef Lev Gel filled mobile phone case
JP4683191B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2011-05-11 Nok株式会社 Sealing structure between two members
JP2006243074A (en) 2005-02-28 2006-09-14 Olympus Imaging Corp Water-proof housing
US7492891B2 (en) 2005-03-03 2009-02-17 Nokia Corporation Mobile electronic device having relocatable display element
USD530079S1 (en) 2005-03-11 2006-10-17 Otter Products, Llc Container for a handheld electronic device
US20060255493A1 (en) 2005-05-11 2006-11-16 Sik, Inc. Apparatus and method for making form-fitted molded protective cases for products
TWI419790B (en) 2005-05-16 2013-12-21 Nissha Printing Mounting structure of re-peelable protective panel and mounting sheet using the same
JP4703308B2 (en) 2005-07-29 2011-06-15 株式会社東芝 Electronics
JP4492481B2 (en) 2005-08-16 2010-06-30 株式会社ニコン Camera housing
JP2007066746A (en) 2005-08-31 2007-03-15 Fujitsu Ltd Waterproof and drainage structure of cabinet, and electronic equipment
WO2007028008A2 (en) 2005-08-31 2007-03-08 Two Technologies, Inc. Systems for integrating peripheral devices with hand-held computing devices
JP4452853B2 (en) 2005-08-31 2010-04-21 ソニー株式会社 Imaging device
US20070071423A1 (en) 2005-09-27 2007-03-29 Fantone Stephen J Underwater adaptive camera housing
US7668580B2 (en) 2005-10-20 2010-02-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electrode for living body and device for detecting living signal
US7428427B2 (en) 2005-11-02 2008-09-23 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab IMF cover for a portable electronic device
JP4560477B2 (en) 2005-11-15 2010-10-13 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社 Electronic control unit and waterproof case
US20070115387A1 (en) 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Ho Kenneth K Underwater camera combination
US20070138920A1 (en) 2005-12-16 2007-06-21 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for a rugged mobile device housing
TW200726360A (en) 2005-12-28 2007-07-01 Benq Corp Water-proof housing for electronic equipments
TWI367660B (en) 2006-01-20 2012-07-01 Fih Hong Kong Ltd Ariproof structure for a portable electronic device
US20090050499A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-02-26 Calco Wayne A Protective assembly for portable digital device
CN101018458A (en) 2006-02-10 2007-08-15 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Encapsulation structure of portable electronic device
IL174211A0 (en) 2006-03-09 2007-07-04 Rotschild Carmel Method and system for using a cellular phone in water activities
US20070215663A1 (en) 2006-03-15 2007-09-20 Chongson Ian S Water resistant case for electronic devices
US7663878B2 (en) 2006-03-23 2010-02-16 Harris Kent Swan Modular protective housing with peripherals for a handheld communications device
WO2007116791A1 (en) 2006-03-28 2007-10-18 Tamura Corporation Waterproof case for electrical apparatus
US7389869B2 (en) 2006-04-01 2008-06-24 Mason Jr Andrew C Display protective film application kit
US7775354B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2010-08-17 Janet Lee Latchford Waterproof cover for personal music player
US7495895B2 (en) 2006-04-19 2009-02-24 Carnevali Jeffrey D Protective cover for device having touch screen
DE112006003852B4 (en) 2006-04-21 2018-01-18 Asics Corp. Shoe soles with a shock absorbing structure
US20070261978A1 (en) 2006-05-10 2007-11-15 David Sanderson Waterproof case for electronic devices
JP4213729B2 (en) 2006-05-23 2009-01-21 株式会社東芝 Electronics
US20080039161A1 (en) 2006-05-26 2008-02-14 Shih-Yang Chan Casing device for mobile handset
US7630746B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2009-12-08 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Cover for portable device
US7623898B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2009-11-24 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab Cover for portable device
JP2008018637A (en) 2006-07-13 2008-01-31 Ta Shin Precision Industrial Co Ltd Ink pen structure
US7449650B2 (en) 2006-07-19 2008-11-11 Otter Products, Llc Multi-directional activation button
US8068331B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2011-11-29 Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. Enclosure to prevent fluid ingress of a device having a touch screen interface
KR100877049B1 (en) 2006-09-28 2009-01-07 가시오 히타치 모바일 커뮤니케이션즈 컴퍼니 리미티드 Waterproof structure
TW200819878A (en) 2006-10-19 2008-05-01 Hannspree Inc sealing mechanism of flat panel display
US7993071B2 (en) 2006-10-25 2011-08-09 Burrell E. Clawson Assemblies for coupling two elements and coupled assemblies
US7772507B2 (en) 2006-11-03 2010-08-10 Research In Motion Limited Switch assembly and associated handheld electronic device
US20080164267A1 (en) 2007-01-09 2008-07-10 Alissa Huber Apparatuses, systems and methods for holding portable devices or instruments
US20080163463A1 (en) 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Sunex International, Inc. Tool handle
US7854434B2 (en) 2007-04-12 2010-12-21 Ti Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C. Ring seal with axially-opposed radially-offset seal beads
US7735644B2 (en) * 2007-06-06 2010-06-15 Belkin International, Inc. Case for electrical device and method of using same
US20080316687A1 (en) 2007-06-06 2008-12-25 Richardson Curtis R Protective enclosure for an electronic device
US8400408B2 (en) 2007-06-13 2013-03-19 Apple Inc. Touch screens with transparent conductive material resistors
USD606751S1 (en) 2007-06-25 2009-12-29 Apple Inc. Cover
USD574819S1 (en) 2007-06-25 2008-08-12 Apple Inc. Case
JP4478894B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2010-06-09 ソニー株式会社 Waterproof case for electronic equipment
US7944697B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2011-05-17 Hitachi, Ltd. Electronic equipment
US7975870B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2011-07-12 Ti Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C. Ring seal having sealing lobes
USD619361S1 (en) 2007-09-05 2010-07-13 Apple Inc. Cover
USD589016S1 (en) 2007-09-12 2009-03-24 Otter Products, Llc Phone case
US8031472B2 (en) 2007-09-21 2011-10-04 Meraki, Inc. Electronic device with weather-tight housing
TWI342180B (en) 2007-10-09 2011-05-11 Asustek Comp Inc Housing structure
TWM332217U (en) 2007-10-26 2008-05-11 Wistron Corp Electronic device
US7801425B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2010-09-21 Optikos Corporation Underwater adaptive camera housing
JP5233244B2 (en) 2007-10-30 2013-07-10 富士通株式会社 Portable device
CN101426039A (en) 2007-10-31 2009-05-06 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Portable electronic device protection case
US8261933B2 (en) * 2007-11-28 2012-09-11 Peninsula Packaging, Llc Container
JP4907512B2 (en) 2007-12-27 2012-03-28 京セラ株式会社 Portable electronic devices
US8101859B2 (en) 2008-01-03 2012-01-24 Apple Inc. Metal retaining features for handheld electronic device casing
USD575056S1 (en) 2008-02-19 2008-08-19 Incase Designs Corporation Portable electronic device case
CN101522006B (en) 2008-02-25 2011-09-21 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Portable electronic device
JP4829263B2 (en) 2008-02-25 2011-12-07 富士通株式会社 Waterproof electronic equipment
JP2009225193A (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-10-01 Fujitsu Ltd Mobile terminal device
TWM347076U (en) * 2008-03-19 2008-12-21 Cooler Master Co Ltd Portable storage structure for collecting electronic device
TWI352567B (en) 2008-04-21 2011-11-11 Wistron Corp Waterproof casing
KR100848786B1 (en) 2008-05-16 2008-07-28 한선영 The cover for bar type portable terminal equipment with tension hinge
CN101582546B (en) 2008-05-16 2011-08-31 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Cover body structure of connector and electronic device therewith
DE102008025754A1 (en) * 2008-05-29 2009-12-10 Gigaset Communications Gmbh Verrastungkonstruktion
US20090314400A1 (en) * 2008-06-24 2009-12-24 Keng-Yuan Liu Protective Cover With Power Supply Unit For Portable Electronic Device
USD610807S1 (en) 2008-09-23 2010-03-02 Switcheasy Limited Protective case for portable handheld electronic device
US8223997B2 (en) 2008-07-11 2012-07-17 H2O Audio, Inc. Waterproof enclosure for audio device
USD597089S1 (en) 2008-08-21 2009-07-28 Research In Motion Limited Hand-held electronic device cover
TWM354841U (en) 2008-08-22 2009-04-11 Wistron Corp Waterproof pushbutton, and the assembly of waterproof pushbutton and electronic device housing
JP4720878B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2011-07-13 ソニー株式会社 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
US8960634B2 (en) 2008-09-09 2015-02-24 Zero Chroma, LLC Holder for electronic device with support
US7886903B1 (en) 2008-09-19 2011-02-15 Aileron Designs, LLC Articulated notebook computer cover and mounting device
MY146838A (en) * 2008-09-24 2012-09-28 Mimos Berhad A holding and supporting apparatus
TWM354779U (en) 2008-10-02 2009-04-11 Wistron Corp Case of electronic device
US20100093412A1 (en) 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Inside Contactless Protective envelope for a handheld electronic device
USD593319S1 (en) 2008-10-14 2009-06-02 Otter Products, Llc Case
US8050022B2 (en) 2008-10-28 2011-11-01 William C. McIntyre, P.E., LLC System and method for covering a monitor screen
US20100110629A1 (en) * 2008-11-04 2010-05-06 Cyber Acoustics, Llc Laptop cover
CN101742844B (en) 2008-11-20 2013-11-20 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Electronic device component
GB0821156D0 (en) * 2008-11-20 2008-12-24 Andrews John Case and stand for a portable computer
US8623494B2 (en) 2008-12-29 2014-01-07 Otter Products, Llc Protective cushion cover for an electronic device
USD603603S1 (en) 2009-01-06 2009-11-10 Powermat Usa, Llc Case for an electronic device
US8755852B2 (en) 2009-02-06 2014-06-17 Speculative Product Design, Llc One piece co-formed exterior hard shell case with an elastomeric liner for mobile electronic devices
JP5262798B2 (en) 2009-02-16 2013-08-14 富士通株式会社 Case waterproof structure and electronic device equipped with the same
US20100238119A1 (en) * 2009-03-18 2010-09-23 Zivthan Dubrovsky Touchscreen Keyboard Overlay
JP5110032B2 (en) 2009-04-17 2012-12-26 富士通株式会社 Enclosure
US8311595B2 (en) 2009-06-03 2012-11-13 Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc. Portable wireless communication device
US8454101B2 (en) 2009-06-11 2013-06-04 Getac Technology Corporation Waterproof assembly for electronic device and watertight door thereof
US20110002106A1 (en) 2009-07-01 2011-01-06 Wellcore Corporation Miniature Waterproof Electronic Device Enclosure
KR101012871B1 (en) 2009-07-28 2011-02-08 (주)엠쓰리모바일 Electronic device with waterproof and dustproof structure
KR20120085249A (en) 2009-08-12 2012-07-31 언커먼 엘엘씨 Two-piece protective carrying case
US8965458B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2015-02-24 Otter Products, Llc Protective cushion cover for an electronic device
US8167126B2 (en) 2009-09-29 2012-05-01 Apple Inc. Button mechanisms for electronic device cases
US9078498B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2015-07-14 Otter Products, Llc Holder
EP2341414A1 (en) 2009-12-31 2011-07-06 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited Portable electronic device and method of controlling a portable electronic device
US9025317B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2015-05-05 Otter Products, Llc Multi-material protective case for sliding/articulating/rotating handheld electronic devices
US9098238B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2015-08-04 Otter Products, Llc Energy deflection case
CN201767246U (en) 2010-06-29 2011-03-23 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Electronic device protecting sleeve
KR100988204B1 (en) 2010-07-26 2010-10-18 에스지피코리아 (주) Case for bar type portable electronic device
US8281924B2 (en) * 2010-08-20 2012-10-09 Cyber Acoustics, Llc Cover for portable electronic device
US20120043235A1 (en) 2010-08-23 2012-02-23 James Robert Klement Protective case for portable electrical device
US8644893B2 (en) * 2010-10-06 2014-02-04 Hui-Hu Liang Ipad and keypad cover structure
US9549598B2 (en) * 2010-10-12 2017-01-24 Treefrog Developments, Inc. Housing for encasing an electronic device
US8941981B2 (en) 2010-10-22 2015-01-27 Xplore Technologies Corp. Computer with high intensity screen
US20120103844A1 (en) 2010-10-26 2012-05-03 Marware, Inc. Mobile telephone or portable digital media player case having interchangeable panels
US8251210B2 (en) 2011-01-04 2012-08-28 Fellowes, Inc. Case for an electronic device with a resilient band for holding items
US8191706B1 (en) 2011-03-29 2012-06-05 Mitac International Corp. Protective casing adapted for different electronic devices
US8498103B2 (en) 2011-03-31 2013-07-30 Joseph A. Graneto, III Cover for portable computing device
TWI498492B (en) 2012-08-10 2015-09-01 Wistron Corp Electronic device and hinge structure thereof
TWI453640B (en) 2012-08-24 2014-09-21 Pegatron Corp Cover structure and electronic device
US20140262875A1 (en) 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Jeffrey D. Carnevali Protective enclosure for touch screen device
TWI509907B (en) 2013-07-26 2015-11-21 Sheng Hsin Liao Assemblable connector device having protecting housing
US9155367B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2015-10-13 Incipio Technologies, Inc. Biometric and proximity sensor compatible protective case for mobile device
US9644783B2 (en) 2013-03-16 2017-05-09 James A Rinner Phone camera tablet bipod support system
US9537526B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-01-03 Wimo Labs LLC Door securement mechanism for waterproof encasement
US20150156301A1 (en) 2013-12-02 2015-06-04 New Wallet, Inc. Smart case for mobile devices
GB2521152A (en) 2013-12-10 2015-06-17 Nokia Technologies Oy An apparatus and method of providing an apparatus comprising a bendable portion
US9462864B2 (en) 2014-03-17 2016-10-11 World Richman Manufacturing Corporation Reversible case for an electronic device
US9671828B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2017-06-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Mobile terminal with dual touch sensors located on different sides of terminal body and method of controlling the same
WO2016111561A1 (en) 2015-01-07 2016-07-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display device and operating method thereof
TW201630510A (en) 2015-02-09 2016-08-16 鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 Protect case
US10263982B2 (en) 2015-03-31 2019-04-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Foldable device and method of controlling the same
US9735595B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2017-08-15 Apple Inc. Single piece case with a battery and a hinge
WO2017062285A1 (en) 2015-10-09 2017-04-13 Urban Armor Gear, Llc Protective case for a computing device and method of use
US9966984B2 (en) 2016-02-26 2018-05-08 Apple Inc. Device case with balanced hinge
TWM523266U (en) 2016-03-07 2016-06-01 華碩電腦股份有限公司 A hinge assembly for an electronic device
EP3539279A1 (en) 2016-11-14 2019-09-18 Otter Products, LLC Protective enclosure for encasing an electronic device

Patent Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994000037A1 (en) 1992-06-24 1994-01-06 Cad Forms Technology Inc. A pen based computer protective case
WO1999041958A1 (en) 1998-02-16 1999-08-19 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Protective case for portable electronic apparatus
US6109434A (en) * 1999-01-16 2000-08-29 Howard, Jr.; William E. Protective case for portable computer
US20020065054A1 (en) 2000-11-29 2002-05-30 Morris Humphreys Mobile station and elastomeric cover
US20050139498A1 (en) 2001-11-03 2005-06-30 Jean Goros Protective sleeve for small portable electronic devices
US20030095374A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2003-05-22 Richardson Curtis R. Protective case for touch screen device
US20090034169A1 (en) 2001-11-19 2009-02-05 Richardson Curtis R Detachable pod assembly for protective case
US20090009945A1 (en) * 2001-11-19 2009-01-08 Jamie Lee Johnson Protective enclosure for touch screen device
US20030114184A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2003-06-19 Simon Wilson Electronic device
US20040180706A1 (en) * 2003-03-14 2004-09-16 Benq Corporation Exchangeable decor panel for portable cellular phone
US20040256535A1 (en) * 2003-04-08 2004-12-23 Desch Kim L. Assistive ergonomic desktop system and modular components
US20040262179A1 (en) * 2003-06-30 2004-12-30 Nokia Corporation Belt covering for a mobile station and method of using the same
US20060177048A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-08-10 Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. Foldable cellular phone
US20060175370A1 (en) * 2005-01-03 2006-08-10 Michel Arney Removable mounting post assembly for a carrying case
US20070205122A1 (en) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-06 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Folding portable electronic equipment
US20080032758A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2008-02-07 Ramin Rostami Handheld device protective case
US20080053851A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Protective apparatus for a portable device
US20080121321A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2008-05-29 Tbac Investment Trust Digital media device billfold
US20080083631A1 (en) * 2006-10-10 2008-04-10 Chun Chee Tsang Water-resistant combination case for handheld electronic devices
US20080125197A1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-05-29 Fujitsu Limited Mobile terminal apparatus
US7933122B2 (en) * 2007-06-06 2011-04-26 Otter Products, Llc Protective enclosure for a computer
US20110157800A1 (en) 2007-06-06 2011-06-30 Richardson Curtis R Protective Enclosure for Electronic Device
US20090032421A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Belkin International, Inc. Case configured to hold portable computer and method of manufacturing and using the same
US20090194445A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Ryan Mongan Electronic device carrying sleeve
US20100096284A1 (en) 2008-06-27 2010-04-22 Steven Chi Vun Bau Protective case having a hybrid structure for portable handheld electronic devices
US20120154288A1 (en) * 2010-12-17 2012-06-21 Research In Motion Limited Portable electronic device having a sensor arrangement for gesture recognition

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170164705A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2017-06-15 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for articulating electronic device
US20180049526A1 (en) * 2010-03-17 2018-02-22 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for portable electronic device
US10016039B2 (en) * 2010-03-17 2018-07-10 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for articulating electronic device
US10258127B2 (en) * 2010-03-17 2019-04-16 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for portable electronic device
US10905213B2 (en) 2010-03-17 2021-02-02 Otter Products, Llc Protective case for portable electronic device
USD823264S1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-07-17 Universal Electronics Inc. Remote control housing
USD825494S1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-08-14 Universal Electronics Inc. Remote control housing
USD909314S1 (en) 2016-10-27 2021-02-02 Universal Electronics Inc. Remote control housing
CN108932033A (en) * 2018-06-22 2018-12-04 联想(北京)有限公司 A kind of protective shell and the electronic equipment with the protective shell
US10627856B1 (en) * 2019-02-27 2020-04-21 Sonnenschein(Shenzhen) Ind. Co., Ltd. Foldable protective assembly and protective case thereof
US10585450B1 (en) * 2019-04-26 2020-03-10 Max Interactive, Inc. Protective cover for a laptop computer
US11689239B2 (en) 2020-11-23 2023-06-27 Speculative Product Design, Llc Outer case for a foldable mobile device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10905213B2 (en) 2021-02-02
US20110228458A1 (en) 2011-09-22
US20170164705A1 (en) 2017-06-15
US20150205332A1 (en) 2015-07-23
US9025317B2 (en) 2015-05-05
US10016039B2 (en) 2018-07-10
US10258127B2 (en) 2019-04-16
US20180049526A1 (en) 2018-02-22
US20190053592A1 (en) 2019-02-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10905213B2 (en) Protective case for portable electronic device
US10716377B2 (en) Housing for encasing an object
US10355732B2 (en) Mobile device case with integrated locking assembly
US9462099B2 (en) Mobile device case
US9439314B2 (en) Housing for encasing an electronic device
US8245842B2 (en) Protective case having a hybrid structure for portable handheld electronic devices
US9116665B2 (en) Modular protective cover with accessory slot for portable electronic device
EP1675360B1 (en) Foldable cellular phone
KR200452011Y1 (en) Mobile terminal case
US9223339B2 (en) Portable terminal with detachable protection cover
KR200423887Y1 (en) Cover case for cellular phone
US7016712B2 (en) Hingeless mobile station
KR20100056014A (en) Protection case of portable terminal
CN218071552U (en) Electronic equipment protective housing
KR101585383B1 (en) Protecting case for mobile device
KR101059568B1 (en) Waterproof case assembly for electronic equipment
CN218630626U (en) Mobile terminal protective housing
KR20070092505A (en) Case for portable communication apparatus
EP2355458B1 (en) Electronic mobile device having interchangeable covers
JP4659639B2 (en) Mobile device
KR200374635Y1 (en) Cover of PDA terminal With slide formula

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:043681/0846

Effective date: 20170825

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, IL

Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:043681/0846

Effective date: 20170825

AS Assignment

Owner name: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC, COLORADO

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT REEL/FRAME NO. 43681/0846;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:051693/0484

Effective date: 20200124

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:051693/0592

Effective date: 20200124

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC, COLORADO

Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT REEL/FRAME NO. 51693/0592;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:059618/0308

Effective date: 20220330

AS Assignment

Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NORTH CAROLINA

Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:059554/0930

Effective date: 20220330